Systems and methods for processing and transmitting sensor data

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for continuous measurement of an analyte in a host are provided. The system generally includes a continuous analyte sensor configured to continuously measure a concentration of analyte in a host and a sensor electronics module physically connected to the continuous analyte sensor during sensor use, wherein the sensor electronics module is further configured to directly wirelessly communicate sensor information to one or more display devices. Establishment of communication between devices can involve using a unique identifier associated with the sensor electronics module to authenticate communication. Times tracked at the sensor electronics module and the display module can be at different resolutions, and the different resolutions can be translated to facilitate communication. In addition, the frequency of establishing communication channels between the sensor electronics module and the display devices can vary depending upon whether reference calibration information is being updated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/441,621 filed Apr. 6, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/473,661 filed Apr. 8, 2011. Theaforementioned applications are incorporated by reference herein intheir entirety, and are hereby expressly made a part of thisspecification.

FIELD

Systems and methods for processing, transmitting, and displaying datareceived from an analyte sensor, such as a glucose sensor, are provided.

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the pancreas cannot createsufficient insulin (Type I or insulin dependent) and/or in which insulinis not effective (Type 2 or non-insulin dependent). In the diabeticstate, the victim suffers from high blood sugar, which causes an arrayof physiological derangements (kidney failure, skin ulcers, or bleedinginto the vitreous of the eye) associated with the deterioration of smallblood vessels. A hypoglycemic reaction (low blood sugar) may be inducedby an inadvertent overdose of insulin, or after a normal dose of insulinor glucose-lowering agent accompanied by extraordinary exercise orinsufficient food intake.

Conventionally, a diabetic person carries a self-monitoring bloodglucose (SMBG) monitor, which typically requires uncomfortable fingerpricking methods. Due to the lack of comfort and convenience, a diabeticwill normally only measure his or her glucose level two to four timesper day. Unfortunately, these time intervals are spread so far apartthat the diabetic will likely find out too late, sometimes incurringdangerous side effects, of a hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic condition. Infact, it is not only unlikely that a diabetic will take a timely SMBGvalue, but additionally the diabetic will not know if his blood glucosevalue is going up (higher) or down (lower) based on conventionalmethods.

Consequently, a variety of non-invasive, transdermal (e.g.,transcutaneous) and/or implantable electrochemical sensors are beingdeveloped for continuously detecting and/or quantifying blood glucosevalues. These devices generally transmit raw or minimally processed datafor subsequent analysis at a remote device, which can include a display.

SUMMARY

Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter describedin this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and thedescription below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will becomeapparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Note thatthe relative dimensions of the following figures may not be drawn toscale.

In a first aspect, a method is provided of wirelessly exchanging glucoseinformation between a first communication device associated with acontinuous glucose sensor and a second communication device associatedwith a glucose information display device, the method comprising:transmitting a first beacon using the first communication device, thefirst beacon comprising a first device ID; receiving the first beaconusing the second communication device; determining, using the secondcommunication device, if the first device ID transmitted by the firstcommunication device matches a second device ID stored at the secondcommunication device; and executing an authentication protocol, usingthe second communication device, if the second communication devicedetermines that the first device ID matches the second device ID.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the method further comprises:receiving user input, using a user interface of the second communicationdevice, comprising an identifier associated with the first communicationdevice; and generating, using the second communication device, both thesecond device ID and a sensor security code.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the identifier comprises a seriesof alphanumeric characters affixed to a housing of the firstcommunication device and wherein the identifier is at least a portion ofa manufacturer serial number associated with the first communicationdevice.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the first beacon further comprisesa first challenge value and wherein executing the authenticationprotocol comprises generating, using the second communication device, afirst authentication key based on the first challenge value and thesensor security code, wherein generating the authentication keycomprises applying a hash algorithm using the first challenge value andthe sensor security code.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the method further comprises:transmitting, using the second communication device, a message havingthe authentication key and a request for glucose information; receiving,using the first communication device, the message; generating, using thefirst communication device, a second authentication key based on thefirst challenge value; determining, using the first communicationdevice, if the first authentication key matches the secondauthentication key; and transmitting, using the first communicationdevice, the requested glucose information if the first authenticationkey matches the second authentication key.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, generating the secondauthentication key is further based on a security code stored at thefirst communication device.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the method further comprisesestablishing a communication channel between the first communicationdevice and the second communication device if the first authenticationkey matches the second authentication key.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the first communication device andthe second communication device are configured to re-establish thecommunication channel at a predetermined time interval.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the method further comprisesclosing the communication channel after a predetermined amount aftertransmitting the first beacon and transmitting, using the firstcommunication device, a second beacon comprising the device ID anddifferent challenge value after a predetermined amount of time since thetransmission of the first beacon.

In an embodiment of the first aspect, the first communication device isa sensor system comprising a reusable sensor electronics module and thecontinuous glucose sensor, wherein the sensor electronics modulecomprises a processor and a transceiver, and wherein sensor system isconfigured to place the transceiver in a sleep mode after apredetermined amount of time since the transmission of the first beaconand place the transceiver in an operational mode after a predeterminedamount of time since placing the transceiver in the sleep mode.

In a second aspect, a system is provided that wirelessly exchangesglucose information between a first communication device associated witha continuous glucose sensor and a second communication device associatedwith a glucose information display device, the system comprising: asensor electronics module operatively coupled to a continuous glucosesensor, the sensor electronics module configured to wirelessly transmita first beacon comprising a first device ID; and a display devicecomprising a display electronics module and a user interface, the userinterface comprising an input module configured to receive user inputand a display configured to display glucose information, wherein thedisplay electronics module is configured to wirelessly receive the firstbeacon, determine if the first device ID transmitted by the firstcommunication device matches a second device ID stored at the displaydevice, and execute an authentication protocol if the secondcommunication device determine that the first device ID matches thesecond device ID.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the user interface of the displaydevice is configured to accept user input representative of anidentifier associated with the sensor electronics module and generateboth the second device ID and a sensor security code.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the identifier comprises a seriesof alphanumeric characters affixed to a housing of the sensorelectronics module and wherein the identifier is at least a portion of amanufacturer serial number associated with the sensor electronicsmodule.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the first beacon furthercomprises a first challenge value and wherein executing theauthentication protocol includes generating a first authentication keybased on the first challenge value and the sensor security code, whereingenerating the authentication key comprises applying a hash algorithmusing the first challenge value and the sensor security code.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the display device is furtherconfigured to transmit a message having the authentication key and arequest for glucose information, and wherein the sensor electronicsmodule is configured to receive the message, generate a secondauthentication key based on the first challenge value, determine if thefirst authentication key matches the second authentication key, andtransmit the requested glucose information if the first authenticationkey matches the second authentication key.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, generating the secondauthentication key is further based on a security code stored at thesensor electronics module.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the system is configured toestablish a communication channel between the sensor electronics moduleand the display device if the first authentication key matches thesecond authentication key.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the sensor electronics module andthe display device are configured to re-establish the communicationchannel at a predetermined time interval.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the system is further configuredto close the communication channel after a predetermined amount sincetransmission of the first beacon, and wherein the sensor electronicsmodule is configured to transmit a second beacon comprising the deviceID and different challenge value after a predetermined amount of timesince the transmission of the first beacon.

In an embodiment of the second aspect, the sensor electronics module isreusable with multiple continuous glucose sensors, wherein the sensorelectronics module comprises a processor and a transceiver, and whereinsensor electronics module is configured to place the transceiver in asleep mode after a predetermined amount of time since the transmissionof the first beacon and place the transceiver in an operational modeafter a predetermined amount of time since placing the transceiver inthe sleep mode.

In a third aspect, a method is provided of managing real-timeinformation in a system for monitoring a glucose concentration of ahost, the system comprising a sensor electronics module operativelycoupled to a continuous glucose sensor, and a display device, the methodcomprising: tracking time at a first, predetermined resolution at thesensor electronics module; generating, using the sensor electronicsmodule, a glucose value; associating, using the sensor system, a timewith the glucose value based on the time at the first resolution;tracking time at a second, predetermined resolution that is lower thanthe first resolution at the display device; translating, using thesensor electronics module, the time associated with the glucose value tothe second resolution; and wirelessly transmitting, using the sensorsystem, the glucose value and the translated time to the display device.

In an embodiment of the third aspect, the first resolution is 125milliseconds and the second resolution is 1 second.

In an embodiment of the third aspect, the method further comprisestranslating, using the sensor electronics module, time informationreceived from the display device in the second resolution to the firstresolution.

In an embodiment of the third aspect, the method further comprisesreceiving the translated time at the display device and determining,using the display device, if the translated time is in error bycomparing the translated time to a threshold value.

In an embodiment of the third aspect, the method further comprisestransmitting, using the display device, a request to time if thetranslated time is determined to be in error.

In a fourth aspect, a system is provided for monitoring a glucoseconcentration of a host that manages real-time information, the systemcomprising a sensor electronics module operatively coupled to acontinuous glucose sensor, the sensor electronics module configured totrack time at a first, predetermined resolution, generate a glucosevalue, associate a time with the glucose value based on the time at thefirst resolution, translate the time associated with the glucose valueto a second resolution that is lower than the first resolution, andwirelessly transmit the glucose value and the translated time.

In an embodiment of the fourth aspect, the first resolution is 125milliseconds and the second resolution is 1 second.

In an embodiment of the fourth aspect, the system further comprises adisplay device configured to receive the transmitted glucose value andthe transmitted translated time, wherein the display device isconfigured to track time at the second resolution.

In an embodiment of the fourth aspect, the sensor electronics module isfurther configured to translate time information received from thedisplay device in the second resolution to the first resolution.

In an embodiment of the fourth aspect, the display device is furtherconfigured to receive the translated time and determine if thetranslated time is in error by comparing the translated time to athreshold value.

In an embodiment of the fourth aspect, the display device is furtherconfigured to transmit a request to time if the translated time isdetermined to be in error.

In a fifth aspect, a method is provided of transmitting data between afirst communication device associated with an analyte sensor and asecond communication device associated with an analyte value displaydevice, the method comprising: sending messages between the firstcommunication device and the second communication device on a firstschedule; requesting an analyte value calibration data point; sendingmessages between the first communication device and the secondcommunication device on a second schedule more frequent than the firstschedule; receiving the analyte value calibration point; calibratinganalyte sensor data using the received analyte value calibration point;sending the calibrated analyte sensor data from the first communicationdevice to the second communication device; and resuming sending messagesbetween the first communication device and the second communicationdevice on the first schedule.

In an embodiment of the fifth aspect, the resuming is responsive to theexpiration of a predetermined amount of time.

In an embodiment of the fifth aspect, the resuming is responsive to thesending of the calibrated analyte sensor data.

In a sixth aspect, a system is provided for wirelessly transmitting databetween a sensor electronics module operatively connected to acontinuous glucose sensor and a display device, the system comprisingcomputer-readable instructions stored in computer memory, wherein theinstructions, when executed by one or more processors of the system,cause the system to: send messages between a sensor electronics moduleand a display device on a first schedule; send a request from the sensorelectronics module to the display device for glucose reference data;send messages between the sensor electronics module and the displaydevice on a second schedule more frequent than the first schedule;receive the glucose reference data; calibrate glucose sensor datagenerated by the continuous glucose sensor using the received glucosereference data; send the calibrated glucose sensor data from the sensorelectronics module to the display device; and resume sending messagesbetween the sensor electronics module and the display device on thefirst schedule.

In an embodiment of the sixth aspect, the resuming is responsive to theexpiration of a predetermined amount of time.

In an embodiment of the sixth aspect, the resuming is responsive to thesending of the calibrated analyte sensor data.

In a seventh aspect, a method is provided for establishing acommunication channel at a higher frequency between devices of a glucosemonitoring system than a normal frequency of establishing thecommunication channel so that reference glucose measurement informationcan be more quickly exchanged, the method comprising: establishing acommunication channel between a sensor electronics module operativelyconnected to a continuous glucose sensor and display device at a firstfrequency; determining that reference glucose measurement information isneeded at the sensor electronics module; transmitting, using the sensorelectronics module, a request to the display device for referenceglucose measurement information during a first established communicationchannel; establishing the communication channel between a sensorelectronics module and display device at a second frequency that ishigher than the first frequency; prompting, using the display device, auser for reference glucose measurement information; transmitting, usingthe display device, the requested reference glucose measurementinformation; calculating, using the sensor electronics module,continuous glucose sensor data calibration information based on thereference glucose measurement information; and transmitting, using thesensor electronics module, the calibration information to the displaydevice, wherein establishing the communication channel at the secondfrequency is maintained until a pre-determined condition is satisfied.

In an embodiment of the seventh aspect, the pre-determined condition issatisfied upon determining that the requested reference glucosemeasurement information is received by the sensor electronics module orthe expiration of a predetermined amount of time.

In an embodiment of the seventh aspect, the sensor control modulecomprises a transceiver configured to transmit data to the displaydevice, and wherein the method further comprises placing the transceiverin a low power mode in between the establishment of the communicationchannel.

In an embodiment of the seventh aspect, the establishment of thecommunication channel comprises transmitting a beacon using the sensorelectronics module and receiving the beacon using the display device.

In an embodiment of the seventh aspect, the establishment of thecommunication channel further comprises initiating an authenticationprotocol.

In an eighth aspect, a system is provided for establishing acommunication channel at a higher frequency between devices of a glucosemonitoring system than a normal frequency of establishing thecommunication channel so that reference glucose measurement informationcan be more quickly exchanged, the system comprising computer-readableinstructions stored in computer memory, wherein the instructions, whenexecuted by one or more processors of the system, cause the system to:establish a communication channel between a sensor electronics moduleoperatively connected to a continuous glucose sensor and display deviceat a first frequency; determine that reference glucose measurementinformation is needed at the sensor electronics module; transmit, usingthe sensor electronics module, a request to the display device forreference glucose measurement information during a first establishedcommunication channel; establish the communication channel between asensor electronics module and display device at a second frequency thatis higher than the first frequency; prompt, using the display device, auser for reference glucose measurement information; transmit, using thedisplay device, the requested reference glucose measurement information;calculate, using the sensor electronics module, continuous glucosesensor data calibration information based on the reference glucosemeasurement information; and transmit, using the sensor electronicsmodule, the calibration information to the display device, whereinestablishing the communication channel at the second frequency ismaintained until a pre-determined condition is satisfied.

In an embodiment of the eighth aspect, the pre-determined condition issatisfied upon determining that the requested reference glucosemeasurement information is received by the sensor electronics module orthe expiration of a predetermined amount of time.

In an embodiment of the eighth aspect, the sensor control modulecomprises a transceiver configured to transmit data to the displaydevice, and wherein the computer-readable instructions are configured tocause the system to place the transceiver in a low power mode in betweenthe establishment of the communication channel.

In an embodiment of the eighth aspect, the establishment of thecommunication channel comprises transmitting a beacon using the sensorelectronics module and receiving the beacon using the display device.

In an embodiment of the eighth aspect, the establishment of thecommunication channel further comprises initiating an authenticationprotocol.

In a ninth aspect, a method is provided of wirelessly exchanging glucoseinformation between a first communication device associated with acontinuous glucose sensor and a second communication device associatedwith a glucose information display device, the method comprising:transmitting a first beacon using the first communication device, thefirst beacon comprising a first device ID; receiving the first beaconusing the second communication device; determining, using the secondcommunication device, if the first device ID transmitted by the firstcommunication device matches a second device ID stored at the secondcommunication device; and executing an authentication protocol, usingthe second communication device, if the second communication devicedetermines that the first device ID matches the second device ID.

In embodiment of the ninth aspect, or in connection with any otherembodiment of the ninth aspect, the method further comprises receiving,using a user interface of the second communication device, user inputcomprising an identifier associated with the first communication device;and generating, using the second communication device, both the seconddevice ID and a sensor security code.

In embodiment of the ninth aspect, or in connection with any otherembodiment of the ninth aspect, the identifier comprises a series ofalphanumeric characters affixed to a housing of the first communicationdevice and wherein the identifier is at least a portion of amanufacturer serial number associated with the first communicationdevice.

In embodiment of the ninth aspect, or in connection with any otherembodiment of the ninth aspect, the first beacon further comprises afirst challenge value and wherein executing the authentication protocolcomprises generating, using the second communication device, a firstauthentication key based on the first challenge value and the sensorsecurity code, wherein generating the authentication key comprisesapplying a hash algorithm using the first challenge value and the sensorsecurity code.

In embodiment of the ninth aspect, or in connection with any otherembodiment of the ninth aspect, the method comprises transmitting, usingthe second communication device, a message having the authentication keyand a request for glucose information; receiving, using the firstcommunication device, the message; generating, using the firstcommunication device, a second authentication key based on the firstchallenge value; determining, using the first communication device, ifthe first authentication key matches the second authentication key; andtransmitting, using the first communication device, the requestedglucose information if the first authentication key matches the secondauthentication key.

In embodiment of the ninth aspect, or in connection with any otherembodiment of the ninth aspect, generating the second authentication keyis further based on a security code stored at the first communicationdevice.

In embodiment of the ninth aspect, or in connection with any otherembodiment of the ninth aspect, the method further comprisesestablishing a communication channel between the first communicationdevice and the second communication device if the first authenticationkey matches the second authentication key.

In embodiment of the ninth aspect, or in connection with any otherembodiment of the ninth aspect, the first communication device and thesecond communication device are configured to re-establish thecommunication channel at a predetermined time interval.

In embodiment of the ninth aspect, or in connection with any otherembodiment of the ninth aspect, the method further comprises closing thecommunication channel after a predetermined amount after transmittingthe first beacon and transmitting, using the first communication device,a second beacon comprising the device ID and different challenge valueafter a predetermined amount of time since the transmission of the firstbeacon.

In embodiment of the ninth aspect, or in connection with any otherembodiment of the ninth aspect, the first communication device is asensor system comprising a reusable sensor electronics module and thecontinuous glucose sensor, wherein the sensor electronics modulecomprises a processor and a transceiver, and wherein sensor system isconfigured to place the transceiver in a sleep mode after apredetermined amount of time since the transmission of the first beaconand place the transceiver in an operational mode uses more power thanthe sleep mode after a predetermined amount of time since placing thetransceiver in the sleep mode.

In a tenth aspect, a continuous glucose monitoring system is provided,configured to perform the method of the ninth aspect or any of itsembodiments.

In an eleventh aspect, a method is provided of managing real-timeinformation in a system for monitoring a glucose concentration of ahost, the system comprising a sensor electronics module operativelycoupled to a continuous glucose sensor, and a display device, the methodcomprising: tracking time at a first, predetermined resolution at thesensor electronics module; generating, using the sensor electronicsmodule, a glucose value; associating, using the sensor system, a timewith the glucose value based on the time at the first resolution;tracking time at a second, predetermined resolution that is lower thanthe first resolution at the display device; translating, using thesensor electronics module, the time associated with the glucose value tothe second resolution; and wirelessly transmitting, using the sensorsystem, the glucose value and the translated time to the display device.

In embodiment of the eleventh aspect, or in connection with any otherembodiment of the eleventh aspect, the first resolution is 125milliseconds and the second resolution is 1 second.

In embodiment of the eleventh aspect, or in connection with any otherembodiment of the eleventh aspect, the method further comprisestranslating, using the sensor electronics module, time informationreceived from the display device in the second resolution to the firstresolution.

In embodiment of the eleventh aspect, or in connection with any otherembodiment of the eleventh aspect, the method further comprisesreceiving the translated time at the display device and determining,using the display device, if the translated time is in error bycomparing the translated time to a threshold value.

In embodiment of the eleventh aspect, or in connection with any otherembodiment of the eleventh aspect, the method further comprisestransmitting, using the display device, a request to reset time if thetranslated time is determined to be in error.

In a twelfth aspect, a continuous glucose monitoring system is providedconfigured, to perform the method of the eleventh aspect or any of itsembodiments.

In a thirteenth aspect, a method is provided of transmitting databetween a first communication device associated with an analyte sensorand a second communication device associated with an analyte valuedisplay device, the method comprising: sending messages between thefirst communication device and the second communication device on afirst schedule; requesting an analyte value calibration data point;sending messages between the first communication device and the secondcommunication device on a second schedule more frequent than the firstschedule; receiving the analyte value calibration point; calibratinganalyte sensor data using the received analyte value calibration point;sending the calibrated analyte sensor data from the first communicationdevice to the second communication device; and resuming sending messagesbetween the first communication device and the second communicationdevice on the first schedule.

In embodiment of the thirteenth aspect, or in connection with any otherembodiment of the thirteenth aspect, the resuming is responsive to theexpiration of a predetermined amount of time.

In embodiment of the thirteenth aspect, or in connection with any otherembodiment of the thirteenth aspect, the resuming is responsive to thesending of the calibrated analyte sensor data.

In a fourteenth aspect, a continuous glucose monitoring system isprovided, configured to perform the method of the thirteenth aspect orany of its embodiments.

In a fifteenth aspect, a method is provided for establishing acommunication channel at a higher frequency between devices of a glucosemonitoring system than a normal frequency of establishing thecommunication channel so that reference glucose measurement informationcan be more quickly exchanged, the method comprising: establishing acommunication channel between a sensor electronics module operativelyconnected to a continuous glucose sensor and display device at a firstfrequency; determining that reference glucose measurement information isneeded at the sensor electronics module; transmitting, using the sensorelectronics module, a request to the display device for referenceglucose measurement information during a first established communicationchannel; establishing the communication channel between a sensorelectronics module and display device at a second frequency that ishigher than the first frequency; prompting, using the display device, auser for reference glucose measurement information; transmitting, usingthe display device, the requested reference glucose measurementinformation; calculating, using the sensor electronics module,continuous glucose sensor data calibration information based on thereference glucose measurement information; and transmitting, using thesensor electronics module, the calibration information to the displaydevice, wherein establishing the communication channel at the secondfrequency is maintained until a pre-determined condition is satisfied.

In embodiment of the fifteenth aspect, or in connection with any otherembodiment of the fifteenth aspect, the pre-determined condition issatisfied upon determining that the requested reference glucosemeasurement information is received by the sensor electronics module orthe expiration of a predetermined amount of time.

In embodiment of the fifteenth aspect, or in connection with any otherembodiment of the fifteenth aspect, the sensor control module comprisesa transceiver configured to transmit data to the display device, andwherein the method further comprises placing the transceiver in a lowpower mode in between the establishment of the communication channel.

In embodiment of the fifteenth aspect, or in connection with any otherembodiment of the fifteenth aspect, the establishment of thecommunication channel comprises transmitting a beacon using the sensorelectronics module and receiving the beacon using the display device.

In embodiment of the fifteenth aspect, or in connection with any otherembodiment of the fifteenth aspect, the establishment of thecommunication channel further comprises initiating an authenticationprotocol.

In a sixteenth aspect, a continuous glucose monitoring system isprovided, configured to perform the method of the fifteenth aspect orany of its embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a continuous analytesensor system including a sensor electronics module.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a sensor system including a mountingunit and sensor electronics module attached thereto according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the sensor system of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating various elements ofone embodiment of a continuous analyte sensor system and display device.

FIG. 4A provides an example of mapping an alphanumeric character to afive bit binary value.

FIG. 4B provides an example of mapping a 35 bit value to a device numberand a transmitter ID.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of an aspect of aprocess for pairing a transmitter with a receiver.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of an aspect of aprocess for translating high resolution time to lower resolution time.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method fordetecting an error in a time value received by a display device from asensor electronics module.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method forincreasing the rate of reception of a display device for use whenobtaining a reference value for sensor calibration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and examples illustrate some exemplaryembodiments of the disclosed invention in detail. Those of skill in theart will recognize that there are numerous variations and modificationsof this invention that are encompassed by its scope. Accordingly, thedescription of a certain exemplary embodiment should not be deemed tolimit the scope of the present invention.

Definitions

In order to facilitate an understanding of the systems and methodsdiscussed herein, a number of terms are defined below. The terms definedbelow, as well as other terms used herein, should be construed toinclude the provided definitions, the ordinary and customary meaning ofthe terms, and any other implied meaning for the respective terms. Thus,the definitions below do not limit the meaning of these terms, but onlyprovide exemplary definitions.

The term “analyte” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given itsordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art(and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning), andfurthermore refers without limitation to a substance or chemicalconstituent in a biological fluid (for example, blood, interstitialfluid, cerebral spinal fluid, lymph fluid or urine) that can beanalyzed. Analytes can include naturally occurring substances,artificial substances, metabolites, and/or reaction products. In someembodiments, the analyte for measurement by the sensor heads, devices,and methods is analyte. However, other analytes are contemplated aswell, including but not limited to acarboxyprothrombin; acylcarnitine;adenine phosphoribosyl transferase; adenosine deaminase; albumin;alpha-fetoprotein; amino acid profiles (arginine (Krebs cycle),histidine/urocanic acid, homocysteine, phenylalanine/tyrosine,tryptophan); andrenostenedione; antipyrine; arabinitol enantiomers;arginase; benzoylecgonine (cocaine); biotinidase; biopterin; c-reactiveprotein; carnitine; carnosinase; CD4; ceruloplasmin; chenodeoxycholicacid; chloroquine; cholesterol; cholinesterase; conjugated 1-βhydroxy-cholic acid; cortisol; creatine kinase; creatine kinase MMisoenzyme; cyclosporin A; d-penicillamine; de-ethylchloroquine;dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate; DNA (acetylator polymorphism, alcoholdehydrogenase, alpha 1-antitrypsin, cystic fibrosis, Duchenne/Beckermuscular dystrophy, analyte-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, hemoglobin A,hemoglobin S, hemoglobin C, hemoglobin D, hemoglobin E, hemoglobin F,D-Punjab, beta-thalassemia, hepatitis B virus, HCMV, HIV-1, HTLV-1,Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, MCAD, RNA, PKU, Plasmodium vivax,sexual differentiation, 21-deoxycortisol); desbutylhalofantrine;dihydropteridine reductase; diptheria/tetanus antitoxin; erythrocytearginase; erythrocyte protoporphyrin; esterase D; fattyacids/acylglycines; free β-human chorionic gonadotropin; freeerythrocyte porphyrin; free thyroxine (FT4); free tri-iodothyronine(FT3); fumarylacetoacetase; galactose/gal-1-phosphate;galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase; gentamicin; analyte-6-phosphatedehydrogenase; glutathione; glutathione perioxidase; glycocholic acid;glycosylated hemoglobin; halofantrine; hemoglobin variants;hexosaminidase A; human erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase I;17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone; hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase;immunoreactive trypsin; lactate; lead; lipoproteins ((a), B/A-1, β);lysozyme; mefloquine; netilmicin; phenobarbitone; phenytoin;phytanic/pristanic acid; progesterone; prolactin; prolidase; purinenucleoside phosphorylase; quinine; reverse tri-iodothyronine (rT3);selenium; serum pancreatic lipase; sissomicin; somatomedin C; specificantibodies (adenovirus, anti-nuclear antibody, anti-zeta antibody,arbovirus, Aujeszky's disease virus, dengue virus, Dracunculusmedinensis, Echinococcus granulosus, Entamoeba histolytica, enterovirus,Giardia duodenalisa, Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis B virus, herpesvirus, HIV-1, IgE (atopic disease), influenza virus, Leishmaniadonovani, leptospira, measles/mumps/rubella, Mycobacterium leprae,Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Myoglobin, Onchocerca volvulus, parainfluenzavirus, Plasmodium falciparum, poliovirus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,respiratory syncytial virus, rickettsia (scrub typhus), Schistosomamansoni, Toxoplasma gondii, Trepenoma pallidium, Trypanosomacruzi/rangeli, vesicular stomatis virus, Wuchereria bancrofti, yellowfever virus); specific antigens (hepatitis B virus, HIV-1);succinylacetone; sulfadoxine; theophylline; thyrotropin (TSH); thyroxine(T4); thyroxine-binding globulin; trace elements; transferring;UDP-galactose-4-epimerase; urea; uroporphyrinogen I synthase; vitamin A;white blood cells; and zinc protoporphyrin. Salts, sugar, protein, fat,vitamins, and hormones naturally occurring in blood or interstitialfluids can also constitute analytes in certain embodiments. The analytecan be naturally present in the biological fluid, for example, ametabolic product, a hormone, an antigen, an antibody, and the like.Alternatively, the analyte can be introduced into the body, for example,a contrast agent for imaging, a radioisotope, a chemical agent, afluorocarbon-based synthetic blood, or a drug or pharmaceuticalcomposition, including but not limited to insulin; ethanol; cannabis(marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, hashish); inhalants (nitrous oxide,amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite, chlorohydrocarbons, hydrocarbons); cocaine(crack cocaine); stimulants (amphetamines, methamphetamines, Ritalin,Cylert, Preludin, Didrex, PreState, Voranil, Sandrex, Plegine);depressants (barbituates, methaqualone, tranquilizers such as Valium,Librium, Miltown, Serax, Equanil, Tranxene); hallucinogens(phencyclidine, lysergic acid, mescaline, peyote, psilocybin); narcotics(heroin, codeine, morphine, opium, meperidine, Percocet, Percodan,Tussionex, Fentanyl, Darvon, Talwin, Lomotil); designer drugs (analogsof fentanyl, meperidine, amphetamines, methamphetamines, andphencyclidine, for example, Ecstasy); anabolic steroids; and nicotine.The metabolic products of drugs and pharmaceutical compositions are alsocontemplated analytes. Analytes such as neurochemicals and otherchemicals generated within the body can also be analyzed, such as, forexample, ascorbic acid, uric acid, dopamine, noradrenaline,3-methoxytyramine (3MT), 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC),Homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5HT), and5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (FHIAA).

The term “A/D Converter” as used herein is a broad term and is to begiven its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skillin the art (and is not to be limited to a special or customizedmeaning), and furthermore refers without limitation to hardware and/orsoftware that converts analog electrical signals into correspondingdigital signals.

The terms “processor module,” “microprocessor” and “processor” as usedherein are broad terms and are to be given their ordinary and customarymeaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art (and are not to belimited to a special or customized meaning), and furthermore referwithout limitation to a computer system, state machine, and the likethat performs arithmetic and logic operations using logic circuitry thatresponds to and processes the basic instructions that drive a computer.

The terms “sensor data”, as used herein is a broad term and is to begiven its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skillin the art (and are not to be limited to a special or customizedmeaning), and furthermore refers without limitation to any dataassociated with a sensor, such as a continuous analyte sensor. Sensordata includes a raw data stream, or simply data stream, of analog ordigital signal directly related to a measured analyte from an analytesensor (or other signal received from another sensor), as well ascalibrated and/or filtered raw data. In one example, the sensor datacomprises digital data in “counts” converted by an A/D converter from ananalog signal (e.g., voltage or amps) and includes one or more datapoints representative of a glucose concentration. Thus, the terms“sensor data point” and “data point” refer generally to a digitalrepresentation of sensor data at a particular time. The term broadlyencompasses a plurality of time spaced data points from a sensor, suchas a from a substantially continuous glucose sensor, which comprisesindividual measurements taken at time intervals ranging from fractionsof a second up to, e.g., 1, 2, or 5 minutes or longer. In anotherexample, the sensor data includes an integrated digital valuerepresentative of one or more data points averaged over a time period.Sensor data may include calibrated data, smoothed data, filtered data,transformed data, and/or any other data associated with a sensor.

The term “calibration” as used herein is a broad term and is to be givenits ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in theart (and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning), andfurthermore refers without limitation to a process of determining arelationship between a raw data stream and corresponding reference data,which can be used to convert raw data into calibrated data (definedbelow). In some embodiments, such as continuous analyte sensors, forexample, calibration can be updated or recalibrated over time as changesin the relationship between the raw data and reference data occur, forexample, due to changes in sensitivity, baseline, transport, metabolism,and the like.

The terms “calibrated data” and “calibrated data stream” as used hereinare broad terms and are to be given their ordinary and customary meaningto a person of ordinary skill in the art (and are not to be limited to aspecial or customized meaning), and furthermore refer without limitationto data that has been transformed from its raw state to another stateusing a function, for example a conversion function, to provide ameaningful value to a user.

The terms “smoothed data” and “filtered data” as used herein are broadterms and are to be given their ordinary and customary meaning to aperson of ordinary skill in the art (and are not to be limited to aspecial or customized meaning), and furthermore refer without limitationto data that has been modified to make it smoother and more continuousand/or to remove or diminish outlying points, for example, by performinga moving average of the raw data stream. Examples of data filtersinclude FIR (finite impulse response), IIR (infinite impulse response),moving average filters, and the like.

The terms “smoothing” and “filtering” as used herein are broad terms andare to be given their ordinary and customary meaning to a person ofordinary skill in the art (and are not to be limited to a special orcustomized meaning), and furthermore refer without limitation to amathematical computation that attenuates or normalizes components of asignal, such as reducing noise errors in a raw data stream. In someembodiments, smoothing refers to modification of a data stream to makeit smoother and more continuous or to remove or diminish outlying datapoints, for example, by performing a moving average of the raw datastream.

The term “noise signal” as used herein is a broad term and is to begiven its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skillin the art (and is not to be limited to a special or customizedmeaning), and furthermore refers without limitation to a signalassociated with noise on the data stream (e.g., non-analyte relatedsignal). The noise signal can be determined by filtering and/oraveraging, for example. In some embodiments, the noise signal is asignal residual, delta residual (difference of residual), absolute deltaresidual, and/or the like, which are described in more detail elsewhereherein.

The term “algorithm” as used herein is a broad term and is to be givenits ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in theart (and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning), andfurthermore refers without limitation to a computational process(associated with computer programming or other written instructions)involved in transforming information from one state to another.

The term “matched data pairs” as used herein is a broad term and is tobe given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinaryskill in the art (and is not to be limited to a special or customizedmeaning), and furthermore refers without limitation to reference data(for example, one or more reference analyte data points) matched withsubstantially time corresponding sensor data (for example, one or moresensor data points).

The term “counts” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given itsordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art(and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning), andfurthermore refers without limitation to a unit of measurement of adigital signal. In one example, a raw data stream measured in counts isdirectly related to a voltage (e.g., converted by an A/D converter),which is directly related to current from the working electrode. Inanother example, counter electrode voltage measured in counts isdirectly related to a voltage.

The term “sensor” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given itsordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art(and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning), andfurthermore refers without limitation to any device (or portion of adevice) that measures a physical quantity and converts it into a signalthat can be processed by analog and/or digital circuitry. Thus, theoutput of a sensor may be an analog and/or digital signal. Examples ofsensors include analyte sensors, glucose sensors, temperature sensors,altitude sensors, accelerometers, and heart rate sensors.

The terms “glucose sensor” as used herein is a broad term and is to begiven its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skillin the art (and are not to be limited to a special or customizedmeaning), and furthermore refer without limitation to any sensor bywhich glucose can be quantified (e.g., enzymatic or non-enzymatic). Forexample, some embodiments of a glucose sensor may utilize a membranethat contains glucose oxidase that catalyzes the conversion of oxygenand glucose to hydrogen peroxide and gluconate, as illustrated by thefollowing chemical reaction:

Glucose+O₂→Gluconate+H₂O₂

Because for each glucose molecule metabolized, there is a proportionalchange in the co-reactant O₂ and the product H₂O₂, one can use anelectrode to monitor the current change in either the co-reactant or theproduct to determine glucose concentration.

The terms “coupled”, “operably connected” and “operably linked” as usedherein are broad terms and are to be given their ordinary and customarymeaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art (and are not to belimited to a special or customized meaning), and furthermore referwithout limitation to one or more components being linked to anothercomponent(s), either directly or indirectly, in a manner that allowstransmission of signals between the components. For example, modules ofa computing device that communicate via a common data bus are coupled toone another. As another example, one or more electrodes of a glucosesensor can be used to detect the amount of glucose in a sample andconvert that information into a signal, e.g., an electrical orelectromagnetic signal; the signal can then be transmitted to anelectronic circuit. In this case, the electrode is “operably linked” tothe electronic circuitry, even though the analog signal from theelectrode is transmitted and/or transformed by analog and/or digitalcircuitry before reaching the electronic circuit. These terms are broadenough to include wireless connectivity.

The term “physically connected” as used herein is a broad term and is tobe given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinaryskill in the art (and are not to be limited to a special or customizedmeaning), and furthermore refers without limitation to one or morecomponents that are connected to another component(s) through directcontact and/or a wired connection, including connecting via one or moreintermediate physically connecting component(s). For example, a glucosesensor may be physically connected to a sensor electronics module, andthus the processor module located therein, either directly or via one ormore electrical connections.

The term “substantially” as used herein is a broad term and is to begiven its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skillin the art (and is not to be limited to a special or customizedmeaning), and furthermore refers without limitation to being largely butnot necessarily wholly that which is specified.

The term “host” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given itsordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art(and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning), andfurthermore refers without limitation to mammal, such as a humanimplanted with a device.

The term “continuous analyte sensor” as used herein is a broad term andis to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person ofordinary skill in the art (and is not to be limited to a special orcustomized meaning), and furthermore refers without limitation to adevice, or portion of a device, that continuously or continuallymeasures a concentration of an analyte, for example, at time intervalsranging from fractions of a second up to, for example, 1, 2, or 5minutes, or longer. In one exemplary embodiment, a glucose sensorcomprises a continuous analyte sensor, such as is described in U.S. Pat.No. 7,310,544, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

The term “continuous analyte sensing” as used herein is a broad term andis to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person ofordinary skill in the art (and is not to be limited to a special orcustomized meaning), and furthermore refers without limitation to theperiod in which monitoring of an analyte is continuously or continuallyperformed, for example, at time intervals ranging from fractions of asecond up to, for example, 1, 2, or 5 minutes, or longer. In oneembodiment, a glucose sensor performs continuous analyte sensing inorder to monitor a glucose level in a corresponding host.

The terms “reference analyte monitor,” “reference analyte meter,” and“reference analyte sensor” as used herein are broad terms and are to begiven their ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skillin the art (and are not to be limited to a special or customizedmeaning), and furthermore refer without limitation to a device thatmeasures a concentration of an analyte and can be used as a referencefor a continuous analyte sensor, for example a self-monitoring bloodglucose meter (SMBG) can be used as a reference for a continuous glucosesensor for comparison, calibration, and the like.

The term “clinical acceptability”, as used herein, is a broad term andis to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person ofordinary skill in the art (and is not to be limited to a special orcustomized meaning), and refers without limitation to determination ofthe risk of inaccuracies to a patient. Clinical acceptability mayconsider a deviation between time corresponding glucose measurements(e.g., data from a glucose sensor and data from a reference glucosemonitor) and the risk (e.g., to the decision making of a diabeticpatient) associated with that deviation based on the glucose valueindicated by the sensor and/or reference data. One example of clinicalacceptability may be 85% of a given set of measured analyte valueswithin the “A” and “B” region of a standard Clarke Error Grid when thesensor measurements are compared to a standard reference measurement.

The term “quality of calibration” as used herein, is a broad term and isto be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinaryskill in the art (and is not to be limited to a special or customizedmeaning), and refers without limitation to the statistical associationof matched data pairs in the calibration set used to create theconversion function. For example, an R-value may be calculated for acalibration set to determine its statistical data association, whereinan R-value greater than 0.79 determines a statistically acceptablecalibration quality, while an R-value less than 0.79 determinesstatistically unacceptable calibration quality.

The term “sensor session” as used herein, is a broad term and is to begiven its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skillin the art (and is not to be limited to a special or customizedmeaning), and refers without limitation to a period of time a sensor isin use, such as but not limited to a period of time starting at the timethe sensor is implanted (e.g., by the host) to removal of the sensor(e.g., removal of the sensor from the host's body and/or removal of thesensor electronics module from the sensor housing).

The terms “noise,” “noise event(s),” “noise episode(s),” “signalartifact(s),” “signal artifact event(s),” and “signal artifactepisode(s)” as used herein are broad terms and are to be given theirordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art(and are not to be limited to a special or customized meaning), andfurthermore refer without limitation to signal noise that issubstantially non-glucose related, such as interfering species, macro-or micro-motion, ischemia, pH changes, temperature changes, pressure,stress, or even unknown sources of mechanical, electrical and/orbiochemical noise for example.

The term “measured analyte values” as used herein is a broad term and isto be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinaryskill in the art (and is not to be limited to a special or customizedmeaning), and furthermore refers without limitation to an analyte valueor set of analyte values for a time period for which analyte data hasbeen measured by an analyte sensor. The term is broad enough to includesensor data from the analyte sensor before or after data processing inthe sensor and/or receiver (for example, data smoothing, calibration,and the like).

The term “estimated analyte values” as used herein is a broad term andis to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person ofordinary skill in the art (and is not to be limited to a special orcustomized meaning), and furthermore refers without limitation to ananalyte value or set of analyte values, which have been algorithmicallyextrapolated from measured analyte values. In some embodiments,estimated analyte values are estimated for a time period during which nodata exists. However, estimated analyte values can also be estimatedduring a time period for which measured data exists, but is to bereplaced by algorithmically extrapolated (e.g. processed or filtered)data due to noise or a time lag in the measured data, for example.

The term “calibration information” as used herein is a broad term and isto be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinaryskill in the art (and is not to be limited to a special or customizedmeaning), and furthermore refers without limitation to any informationuseful in calibration of a sensor. Calibration information may includereference data received from a reference analyte monitor, including oneor more reference data points, one or more matched data pairs formed bymatching reference data (e.g., one or more reference glucose datapoints) with substantially time corresponding sensor data (e.g., one ormore continuous sensor data points), a calibration set formed from a setof one or more matched data pairs, a calibration line drawn from thecalibration set, in vitro parameters (e.g., sensor sensitivity), and/ora manufacturing code, for example.

The term “alarm” as used herein is a broad term, and is to be given itsordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art(and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning), andfurthermore refers without limitation to an alert or signal, such as anaudible, visual, or tactile signal, triggered in response to one or morealarm conditions. In one embodiment, hyperglycemic and hypoglycemicalarms are triggered when present or predicted clinical danger isassessed based on continuous analyte data.

The term “transformed sensor data” as used herein is a broad term, andis to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person ofordinary skill in the art (and is not to be limited to a special orcustomized meaning), and furthermore refers without limitation to anydata that is derived, either fully or in part, from raw sensor data fromone or more sensors. For example, raw sensor data over a time period(e.g., 5 minutes) may be processed in order to generated transformedsensor data including one or more trend indicators (e.g., a 5 minutetrend). Other examples of transformed data include filtered sensor data(e.g., one or more filtered analyte concentration values), calibratedsensor data (e.g., one or more calibrated analyte concentration values),rate of change information, trend information, rate of accelerationinformation, sensor diagnostic information, location information,alarm/alert information, calibration information, and/or the like.

The term “sensor information” as used herein is a broad term, and is tobe given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinaryskill in the art (and is not to be limited to a special or customizedmeaning), and furthermore refers without limitation to informationassociated with measurement, signal processing (including calibration),alarms, data transmission, and/or display associated with a sensor, suchas a continuous analyte sensor. The term is broad enough to include rawsensor data (one or more raw analyte concentration values), as well astransformed sensor data. In some embodiments, sensor informationincludes displayable sensor information.

The term “displayable sensor information” as used herein is a broadterm, and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a personof ordinary skill in the art (and is not to be limited to a special orcustomized meaning), and furthermore refers without limitation toinformation that is transmitted for display on one or more displaydevices. As is discussed elsewhere herein, the content of displayablesensor information that is transmitted to a particular display devicemay be customized for the particular display device. Additionally,formatting of displayable sensor information may be customized forrespective display devices. Displayable sensor information may includeany sensor data, including raw sensor data, transformed sensor data,and/or any information associated with measurement, signal processing(including calibration), and/or alerts associated with one or moresensors.

The term “data package” as used herein is a broad term, and is to begiven its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skillin the art (and is not to be limited to a special or customizedmeaning), and furthermore refers without limitation to a combination ofdata that is transmitted to one or more display devices, such as inresponse to triggering of an alert. A data package may includedisplayable sensor information (e.g., that has been selected andformatted for a particular display device) as well as headerinformation, such as data indicating a delivery address, communicationprotocol, etc. Depending on the embodiment, a data package may comprisesmultiple packets of data that are separately transmitted to a displaydevice (and reassembled at the display device) or a single block of datathat is transmitted to the display device. Data packages may beformatted for transmission via any suitable communication protocol,including radio frequency, Bluetooth, universal serial bus, any of thewireless local area network (WLAN) communication standards, includingthe IEEE 802.11, 802.15, 802.20, 802.22 and other 802 communicationprotocols, and/or a proprietary communication protocol.

The term “direct wireless communication” as used herein is a broad term,and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person ofordinary skill in the art (and is not to be limited to a special orcustomized meaning), and furthermore refers without limitation to a datatransmission that goes from one device to another device without anyintermediate data processing (e.g., data manipulation). For example,direct wireless communication between a sensor electronics module and adisplay device occurs when the sensor information transmitted from thesensor electronics module is received by the display device withoutintermediate processing of the sensor information. The term is broadenough to include wireless communication that is transmitted through arouter, a repeater, a telemetry receiver (e.g., configured tore-transmit the sensor information without additional algorithmicprocessing), and the like. The term is also broad enough to includetransformation of data format (e.g., via a Bluetooth receiver) withoutsubstantive transformation of the sensor information itself

The term “prospective algorithm(s)” as used herein is a broad term, andis to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person ofordinary skill in the art (and is not to be limited to a special orcustomized meaning), and furthermore refers without limitation toalgorithms that process sensor information in real-time (e.g.,continuously and/or periodically as sensor data is received from thecontinuous analyte sensor) and provide real-time data output (e.g.,continuously and/or periodically as sensor data is processed in thesensor electronics module).

The term “retrospective algorithm(s)” as used herein is a broad term,and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person ofordinary skill in the art (and is not to be limited to a special orcustomized meaning), and furthermore refers without limitation toalgorithms that process sensor information in retrospect, (e.g.,analysis of a set of data for a time period previous to the present timeperiod).

As employed herein, the following abbreviations apply: Eq and Eqs(equivalents); mEq (milliequivalents); M (molar); mM (millimolar) μM(micromolar); N (Normal); mol (moles); mmol (millimoles); μmol(micromoles); nmol (nanomoles); g (grams); mg (milligrams); μg(micrograms); Kg (kilograms); L (liters); mL (milliliters); dL(deciliters); μL (microliters); cm (centimeters); mm (millimeters); μm(micrometers); nm (nanometers); h and hr (hours); min. (minutes); s andsec. (seconds); ° C. (degrees Centigrade).

Overview

In some embodiments, a system is provided for continuous measurement ofan analyte in a host that includes: a continuous analyte sensorconfigured to continuously measure a concentration of the analyte in thehost and a sensor electronics module physically connected to thecontinuous analyte sensor during sensor use. In one embodiment, thesensor electronics module includes electronics configured to process adata stream associated with an analyte concentration measured by thecontinuous analyte sensor in order to generate displayable sensorinformation that includes raw sensor data, transformed sensor data,and/or any other sensor data, for example. The sensor electronics modulemay further be configured to generate displayable sensor informationthat is customized for respective display devices, such that differentdisplay devices may receive different displayable sensor information.

Alerts

In one embodiment, one or more alerts are associated with a sensorelectronics module. For example, each alert may include one or morealert conditions that indicate when the respective alert has beentriggered. For example, a hypoglycemic alert may include alertconditions indicating a minimum glucose level. The alert conditions mayalso be based on transformed sensor data, such as trending data, and/orsensor data from multiple different sensors (e.g. an alert may be basedon sensor data from both a glucose sensor and a temperature sensor). Forexample, a hypoglycemic alert may include alert conditions indicating aminimum required trend in the host's glucose level that must be presentbefore triggering the alert. The term “trend,” as used herein refersgenerally to data indicating some attribute of data that is acquiredover time, e.g., such as calibrated or filtered data from a continuousglucose sensor. A trend may indicate amplitude, rate of change,acceleration, direction, etc., of data, such as sensor data, includingtransformed or raw sensor data.

In one embodiment, each of the alerts is associated with one or moreactions that are to be performed in response to triggering of the alert.Alert actions may include, for example, activating an alarm, such asdisplaying information on a display of the sensor electronics module oractivating an audible or vibratory alarm coupled to the sensorelectronics module, and/or transmitting data to one or more displaydevices external to the sensor electronics module. For any deliveryaction that is associated with a triggered alert, one or more deliveryoptions define the content and/or format of the data to be transmitted,the device to which the data is to be transmitted, when the data is tobe transmitted, and/or a communication protocol for delivery of thedata.

In one embodiment, multiple delivery actions (each having respectivedelivery options) may be associated with a single alert such thatdisplayable sensor information having different content and formatting,for example, is transmitted to respective display devices in response totriggering of a single alert. For example, a mobile telephone mayreceive a data package including minimal displayable sensor information(that may be formatted specifically for display on the mobiletelephone), while a desktop computer may receive a data packageincluding most (or all) of the displayable sensor information that isgenerated by the sensor electronics module in response to triggering ofa common alert. Advantageously, the sensor electronics module is nottied to a single display device, rather it is configured to communicatewith a plurality of different display devices directly, systematically,simultaneously (e.g., via broadcasting), regularly, periodically,randomly, on-demand, in response to a query, based on alerts or alarms,and/or the like.

In some embodiments, clinical risk alerts are provided that includealert conditions that combine intelligent and dynamic estimativealgorithms that estimate present or predicted danger with greateraccuracy, more timeliness in pending danger, avoidance of false alarms,and less annoyance for the patient. In general, clinical risk alertsinclude dynamic and intelligent estimative algorithms based on analytevalue, rate of change, acceleration, clinical risk, statisticalprobabilities, known physiological constraints, and/or individualphysiological patterns, thereby providing more appropriate, clinicallysafe, and patient-friendly alarms. U.S. Patent Publication No.US-2007-0208246-A1, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety, describes some systems and methods associated with theclinical risk alerts (or alarms) described herein. In some embodiments,clinical risk alerts can be triggered for a predetermined time period toallow for the user to attend to his/her condition. Additionally, theclinical risk alerts can be de-activated when leaving a clinical riskzone so as not to annoy the patient by repeated clinical alarms (e.g.,visual, audible or vibratory), when the patient's condition isimproving. In some embodiments, dynamic and intelligent estimationdetermines a possibility of the patient avoiding clinical risk, based onthe analyte concentration, the rate of change, and other aspects of thedynamic and intelligent estimative algorithms. If there is minimal or nopossibility of avoiding the clinical risk, a clinical risk alert will betriggered. However, if there is a possibility of avoiding the clinicalrisk, the system is configured to wait a predetermined amount of timeand re-analyze the possibility of avoiding the clinical risk. In someembodiments, when there is a possibility of avoiding the clinical risk,the system is further configured to provide targets, therapyrecommendations, or other information that can aid the patient inproactively avoiding the clinical risk.

In some embodiments, the sensor electronics module is configured tosearch for one or more display devices within communication range of thesensor electronics module and to wirelessly communicate sensorinformation (e.g., a data package including displayable sensorinformation, one or more alarm conditions, and/or other alarminformation) thereto. Accordingly, the display device is configured todisplay at least some of the sensor information and/or alarm the host(and/or care taker), wherein the alarm mechanism is located on thedisplay device.

In some embodiments, the sensor electronics module is configured toprovide one or a plurality of different alarms via the sensorelectronics module and/or via transmission of a data packagingindicating an alarm should be initiated by one or a plurality of displaydevices (e.g., sequentially and/or simultaneously). In some embodiments,the sensor electronics module determines which of the one or more alarmsto trigger based on one or more alerts that are triggered. For example,when an alert triggers that indicates severe hypoglycemia, the sensorelectronics module can perform multiple actions, such as activating analarm on the sensor electronics module, transmitting a data package to asmall (key fob) indicating activation of an alarm on the display, andtransmitting a data package as a text message to a care provider. As anexample, a text message can appear on a small (key fob) display, cellphone, pager device, and/or the like, including displayable sensorinformation that indicates the host's condition (e.g., “severehypoglycemia”).

In some embodiments, the sensor electronics module is configured to waita time period for the host to respond to a triggered alert (e.g., bypressing or selecting a snooze and/or off function and/or button on thesensor electronics module and/or a display device), after whichadditional alerts are triggered (e.g., in an escalating manner) untilone or more alerts are responded to. In some embodiments, the sensorelectronics module is configured to send control signals (e.g., a stopsignal) to a medical device associated with an alarm condition (e.g.,hypoglycemia), such as an insulin pump, wherein the stop alert triggersa stop of insulin delivery via the pump.

In some embodiments, the sensor electronics module is configured todirectly, systematically, simultaneously (e.g., via broadcasting),regularly, periodically, randomly, on-demand, in response to a query(from the display device), based on alerts or alarms, and/or the liketransmit alarm information. In some embodiments, the system furtherincludes a repeater such that the wireless communication distance of thesensor electronics module can be increased, for example, to 10, 20, 30,50 75, 100, 150, or 200 meters or more, wherein the repeater isconfigured to repeat a wireless communication from the sensorelectronics module to the display device located remotely from thesensor electronics module. A repeater can be useful to families havingchildren with diabetes. For example, to allow a parent to carry, orplace in a stationary position, a display device, such as in a largehouse wherein the parents sleep at a distance from the child.

Display Devices

In some embodiments, the sensor electronics module is configured tosearch for and/or attempt wireless communication with a display devicefrom a list of display devices. In some embodiments, the sensorelectronics module is configured to search for and/or attempt wirelesscommunication with a list of display devices in a predetermined and/orprogrammable order (e.g., grading and/or escalating), for example,wherein a failed attempt at communication with and/or alarming with afirst display device triggers an attempt at communication with and/oralarming with a second display device, and so on. In one exemplaryembodiment, the sensor electronics module is configured to search forand attempt to alarm a host or care provider sequentially using a listof display devices, such as: 1) a default display device, 2) a key fobdevice, 3) a cell phone (via auditory and/or visual methods, such as,text message to the host and/or care provider, voice message to the hostand/or care provider, and/or 911).

Depending on the embodiment, one or more display devices that receivedata packages from the sensor electronics module are “dummy displays”,wherein they display the displayable sensor information received fromthe sensor electronics module without additional processing (e.g.,prospective algorithmic processing necessary for real-time display ofsensor information). In some embodiments, the displayable sensorinformation comprises transformed sensor data that does not requireprocessing by the display device prior to display of the displayablesensor information. Some display devices may comprise software includingdisplay instructions (software programming comprising instructionsconfigured to display the displayable sensor information and optionallyquery the sensor electronics module to obtain the displayable sensorinformation) configured to enable display of the displayable sensorinformation thereon. In some embodiments, the display device isprogrammed with the display instructions at the manufacturer and caninclude security and/or authentication to avoid plagiarism of thedisplay device. In some embodiments, a display device is configured todisplay the displayable sensor information via a downloadable program(for example, a downloadable Java Script via the internet), such thatany display device that supports downloading of a program (for example,any display device that supports Java applets) therefore can beconfigured to display displayable sensor information (e.g., mobilephones, PDAs, PCs and the like).

In some embodiments, certain display devices may be in direct wirelesscommunication with the sensor electronics module, however intermediatenetwork hardware, firmware, and/or software can be included within thedirect wireless communication. In some embodiments, a repeater (e.g., aBluetooth repeater) can be used to re-transmit the transmitteddisplayable sensor information to a location farther away than theimmediate range of the telemetry module of the sensor electronicsmodule, wherein the repeater enables direct wireless communication whensubstantive processing of the displayable sensor information does notoccur. In some embodiments, a receiver (e.g., Bluetooth receiver) can beused to re-transmit the transmitted displayable sensor information,possibly in a different format, such as in a text message onto a TVscreen, wherein the receiver enables direct wireless communication whensubstantive processing of the sensor information does not occur. In oneembodiment, the sensor electronics module directly wirelessly transmitsdisplayable sensor information to one or a plurality of display devices,such that the displayable sensor information transmitted from the sensorelectronics module is received by the display device withoutintermediate processing of the displayable sensor information.

In one embodiment, one or more display devices comprise built-inauthentication mechanisms, wherein authentication is required forcommunication between the sensor electronics module and the displaydevice. In some embodiments, to authenticate the data communicationbetween the sensor electronics module and display devices, achallenge-response protocol, such as a password authentication isprovided, where the challenge is a request for the password and thevalid response is the correct password, such that pairing of the sensorelectronics module with the display devices can be accomplished by theuser and/or manufacturer via the password. However, any knownauthentication system or method useful for telemetry devices can be usedwith the preferred embodiments.

In some embodiments, one or more display devices are configured to querythe sensor electronics module for displayable sensor information,wherein the display device acts as a master device requesting sensorinformation from the sensor electronics module (e.g., a slave device)on-demand, for example, in response to a query. In some embodiments, thesensor electronics module is configured for periodic, systematic,regular, and/or periodic transmission of sensor information to one ormore display devices (for example, every 1, 2, 5, or 10 minutes ormore). In some embodiments, the sensor electronics module is configuredto transmit data packages associated with a triggered alert (e.g.,triggered by one or more alert conditions). However, any combination ofthe above described statuses of data transmission can be implementedwith any combination of paired sensor electronics module and displaydevice(s). For example, one or more display devices can be configuredfor querying the sensor electronics module database and for receivingalarm information triggered by one or more alarm conditions being met.Additionally, the sensor electronics module can be configured forperiodic transmission of sensor information to one or more displaydevices (the same or different display devices as described in theprevious example), whereby a system can include display devices thatfunction differently with regard to how they obtain sensor information.

In some embodiments, as described in more detail elsewhere herein, adisplay device is configured to query the data storage memory in thesensor electronics module for certain types of data content, includingdirect queries into a database in the sensor electronics module's memoryand/or requests for configured or configurable packages of data contenttherefrom; namely, the data stored in the sensor electronics module isconfigurable, queryable, predetermined, and/or pre-packaged, based onthe display device with which the sensor electronics module iscommunicating. In some additional or alternative embodiments, the sensorelectronics module generates the displayable sensor information based onits knowledge of which display device is to receive a particulartransmission. Additionally, some display devices are capable ofobtaining calibration information and wirelessly transmitting thecalibration information to the sensor electronics module, such asthrough manual entry of the calibration information, automatic deliveryof the calibration information, and/or an integral reference analytemonitor incorporated into the display device. U.S. Pat. No. 7,774,145,U.S. Patent Publication No. US-2007-0203966-A1, U.S. Patent PublicationNo. US-2007-0208245-A1, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,519,408, each of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety, describe systems andmethods for providing an integral reference analyte monitor incorporatedinto a display device and/or other calibration methods that can beimplemented with the preferred embodiments.

In general, a plurality of display devices (e.g., a small (key fob)display device, a larger (hand-held) display device, a mobile phone, areference analyte monitor, a drug delivery device, a medical device anda personal computer) are configured to wirelessly communicate with thesensor electronics module, wherein the one or more display devices areconfigured to display at least some of the displayable sensorinformation wirelessly communicated from the sensor electronics module,wherein displayable sensor information includes sensor data, such as rawdata and/or transformed sensor data, such as analyte concentrationvalues, rate of change information, trend information, alertinformation, sensor diagnostic information and/or calibrationinformation, for example.

Small (Key Fob) Display Device

In some embodiments, one the plurality of display devices is a small(e.g., key fob) display device 14 (FIG. 1) that is configured to displayat least some of the sensor information, such as an analyteconcentration value and a trend arrow. In general, a key fob device is asmall hardware device with a built-in authentication mechanism sized tofit on a key chain. However, any small display device 14 can beconfigured with the functionality as described herein with reference tothe key fob device 14, including a wrist band, a hang tag, a belt, anecklace, a pendent, a piece of jewelry, an adhesive patch, a pager, anidentification (ID) card, and the like, all of which are included by thephrase “small display device” and/or “key fob device” herein.

In general, the key fob device 14 includes electronics configured toreceive and display displayable sensor information (and optionallyconfigured to query the sensor electronics module for the displayablesensor information). In one embodiment, the electronics include a RAMand a program storage memory configured at least to display the sensordata received from the sensor electronics module. In some embodiments,the key fob device 14 includes an alarm configured to warn a host of atriggered alert (e.g., audio, visual and/or vibratory). In someembodiments, the key fob device 14 includes a user interface, such as anLCD 602 and one or more buttons 604 that allows a user to view data,such as a numeric value and/or an arrow, to toggle through one or morescreens, to select or define one or more user parameters, to respond to(e.g., silence, snooze, turn off) an alert, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the key fob display device has a memory (e.g., suchas in a gig stick or thumb drive) that stores sensor, drug (e.g.,insulin) and other medical information, enabling a memory stick-typefunction that allows data transfer from the sensor electronics module toanother device (e.g., a PC) and/or as a data back-up location for thesensor electronics module memory (e.g., data storage memory). In someembodiments, the key fob display device is configured to beautomatically readable by a network system upon entry into a hospital orother medical complex.

In some embodiments, the key fob display device includes a physicalconnector, such as USB port 606, to enable connection to a port (e.g.,USB) on a computer, enabling the key fob to function as a data downloaddevice (e.g., from the sensor electronics module to a PC), a telemetryconnector (e.g., Bluetooth adapter/connector for a PC), and/or enablesconfigurable settings on the key fob device (e.g., via software on thePC that allows configurable parameters such as numbers, arrows, trend,alarms, font, etc.) In some embodiments, user parameters associated withthe small (key fob) display device can be programmed into (and/ormodified) by a display device such as a personal computer, personaldigital assistant, or the like. In one embodiment, user parametersinclude contact information, alert/alarms settings (e.g., thresholds,sounds, volume, and/or the like), calibration information, font size,display preferences, defaults (e.g., screens), and/or the like.Alternatively, the small (key fob) display device can be configured fordirect programming of user parameters. In some embodiments, wherein thesmall (key fob) display device comprises a telemetry module, such asBluetooth, and a USB connector (or the like), such that the small (keyfob) display device additionally functions as telemetry adapter (e.g.,Bluetooth adapter) enabling direct wireless communication between thesensor electronics module and the PC, for example, wherein the PC doesnot include the appropriate telemetry adapter therein.

Large (Hand-Held) Display Device

In some embodiments, one the plurality of display devices is a hand-helddisplay device 16 (FIG. 1) configured to display sensor informationincluding an analyte concentration and a graphical representation of theanalyte concentration over time. In general, the hand-held displaydevice comprises a display 608 sufficiently large to display a graphicalrepresentation 612 of the sensor data over a time period, such as aprevious 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 12, 18, or 24-hours of sensor data. In someembodiments, the hand-held device 16 is configured to display a trendgraph or other graphical representation, a numeric value, an arrow,and/or to alarm the host. U.S. Patent Publication No.US-2005-0203360-A1, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety, describes and illustrates some examples of display of data ona hand-held display device. Although FIG. 6 illustrates one embodimentof a hand-held display device, the hand-held device can be any singleapplication device or multi-application device, such as mobile phone, apalm-top computer, a PDA, portable media player (e.g., iPod, MP3player), a blood glucose meter, an insulin pump, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, a mobile phone (or PDA) is configured to display(as described above) and/or relay sensor information, such as via avoice or text message to the host and/or the host's care provider. Insome embodiments, the mobile phone further comprises an alarm configuredto warn a host of a triggered alert, such as in response to receiving adata package indicating triggering of the alert. Depending on theembodiment, the data package may include displayable sensor information,such as an on-screen message, text message, and/or pre-generatedgraphical representation of sensor data and/or transformed sensor data,as well as an indication of an alarm, such as an auditory alarm or avibratory alarm, that should be activated by the mobile phone.

In some embodiments, one of the display devices is a drug deliverydevice, such as an insulin pump and/or insulin pen, configured todisplay sensor information. In some embodiments, the sensor electronicsmodule is configured to wirelessly communicate sensor diagnosticinformation to the drug delivery device in order to enable to the drugdelivery device to consider (include in its calculations/algorithms) aquality, reliability and/or accuracy of sensor information for closedloop and/or semi-closed loop systems, which are described in more detailin U.S. Pat. No. 7,591,801, which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety. In some alternative embodiments, the sensor electronicmodule is configured to wirelessly communicate with a drug deliverydevice that does not include a display, for example, in order to enablea closed loop and/or semi-closed loop system as described above.

In some embodiments, one of the display devices is a drug deliverydevice is a reference analyte monitor, such as a blood glucose meter,configured to measure a reference analyte value associated with ananalyte concentration in a biological sample from the host.

Personal Computer Display Device

In some embodiments, one of the display devices is personal computer(PC) 20 (FIG. 1) configured to display sensor information. Preferably,the PC 24 has software installed, wherein the software enables displayand/or performs data analysis (retrospective processing) of the historicsensor information. In some embodiments, a hardware device can beprovided (not shown), wherein the hardware device (e.g., dongle/adapter)is configured to plug into a port on the PC to enable wirelesscommunication between the sensor electronics module and the PC. In someembodiments, the PC 24 is configured to set and/or modify configurableparameters of the sensor electronics module 12 and/or small (key fobdevice) 14, as described in more detail elsewhere herein.

Other Display Devices

In some embodiments, one of the display devices is an on-skin displaydevice that is splittable from, releasably attached to, and/or dockableto the sensor housing (mounting unit, sensor pod, or the like). In someembodiments, release of the on-skin display turns the sensor off; inother embodiments, the sensor housing comprises sufficient sensorelectronics to maintain sensor operation even when the on-skin displayis released from the sensor housing.

In some embodiments, one of the display devices is a secondary device,such as a heart rate monitor, a pedometer, a temperature sensor, a carinitialization device (e.g., configured to allow or disallow the car tostart and/or drive in response to at least some of the sensorinformation wirelessly communicated from the sensor electronics module(e.g., glucose value above a predetermined threshold)). In somealternative embodiments, one of the display devices is designed for analternative function device (e.g., a caller id device), wherein thesystem is configured to communicate with and/or translate displayablesensor information to a custom protocol of the alternative device suchthat displayable sensor information can be displayed on the alternativefunction device (display of caller id device).

Exemplary Configurations

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a continuous analytesensor system 8 including a sensor electronics module 12. In theembodiment of FIG. 1, the system includes a continuous analyte sensor 10physically connected to a sensor electronics module 12, which is indirect wireless communication with a plurality of different displaydevices 14, 16, 18, and/or 20.

In one embodiment, the sensor electronics module 12 includes electroniccircuitry associated with measuring and processing the continuousanalyte sensor data, including prospective algorithms associated withprocessing and calibration of the sensor data. The sensor electronicsmodule 12 may be physically connected to the continuous analyte sensor10 and can be integral with (non-releasably attached to) or releasablyattachable to the continuous analyte sensor 10. The sensor electronicsmodule 12 may include hardware, firmware, and/or software that enablesmeasurement of levels of the analyte via a glucose sensor, such as ananalyte sensor. For example, the sensor electronics module 12 caninclude a potentiostat, a power source for providing power to thesensor, other components useful for signal processing and data storage,and a telemetry module for transmitting data from the sensor electronicsmodule to one or more display devices. Electronics can be affixed to aprinted circuit board (PCB), or the like, and can take a variety offorms. For example, the electronics can take the form of an integratedcircuit (IC), such as an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC),a microcontroller, and/or a processor. The sensor electronics module 12includes sensor electronics that are configured to process sensorinformation, such as sensor data, and generate transformed sensor dataand displayable sensor information. Examples of systems and methods forprocessing sensor analyte data are described in more detail herein andin U.S. Pat. No. 7,310,544, U.S. Pat. No. 6,931,327, U.S. Pat. No.8,010,174, U.S. Patent Publication No. US-2007-0032706-A1, U.S. PatentPublication No. US-2007-0016381-A1, U.S. Patent Publication No.US-2008-0033254-A1, U.S. Patent Publication No. US-2005-0203360-A1, U.S.Pat. No. 7,519,408, U.S. Pat. No. 7,591,801, U.S. Pat. No. 7,774,145,U.S. Patent Publication No. US-2007-0203966-A1 and U.S. PatentPublication No. US-2007-0208245-A1, each of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a plurality of display devices (14, 16, 18,and/or 20) are configured for displaying (and/or alarming) thedisplayable sensor information that has been transmitted by the sensorelectronics module 12 (e.g., in a customized data package that istransmitted to the display devices based on their respectivepreferences). For example, the display devices are configured to displaythe displayable sensor information as it is communicated from the sensorelectronics module (e.g., in a data package that is transmitted torespective display devices), without any additional prospectiveprocessing required for calibration and real-time display of the sensordata.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the plurality of display devices includes asmall (key fob) display device 14, such as a wrist watch, a belt, anecklace, a pendent, a piece of jewelry, an adhesive patch, a pager, akey fob, a plastic card (e.g., credit card), an identification (ID)card, and/or the like, wherein the small display device comprises arelatively small display (e.g., smaller than the large display device)and is configured to display certain types of displayable sensorinformation (e.g., a numerical value and an arrow, in some embodiments).In some embodiments, one of the plurality of display devices is a large(hand-held) display device 16, such as a hand-held receiver device, apalm-top computer and/or the like, wherein the large display devicecomprises a relatively larger display (e.g., larger than the smalldisplay device) and is configured to display a graphical representationof the continuous sensor data (e.g., including current and historicdata). Other display devices can include other hand-held devices, suchas a cell phone or PDA 18, an insulin delivery device, a blood glucosemeter, and/or a desktop or laptop computer 24.

Because different display devices provide different user interfaces,content of the data packages (e.g., amount, format, and/or type of datato be displayed, alarms, and the like) can be customized (e.g.,programmed differently by the manufacture and/or by an end user) foreach particular display device. Accordingly, in the embodiment of FIG.1, a plurality of different display devices are in direct wirelesscommunication with the sensor electronics module (e.g., such as anon-skin sensor electronics module 12 that is physically connected to thecontinuous analyte sensor 10) during a sensor session to enable aplurality of different types and/or levels of display and/orfunctionality associated with the displayable sensor information, whichis described in more detail elsewhere herein.

Continuous Sensor

In some embodiments, a glucose sensor comprises a continuous sensor, forexample a subcutaneous, transdermal (e.g., transcutaneous), orintravascular device. In some embodiments, the device can analyze aplurality of intermittent blood samples. The glucose sensor can use anymethod of glucose-measurement, including enzymatic, chemical, physical,electrochemical, spectrophotometric, polarimetric, calorimetric,iontophoretic, radiometric, immunochemical, and the like.

A glucose sensor can use any known method, including invasive, minimallyinvasive, and non-invasive sensing techniques (e.g., fluorescentmonitoring), to provide a data stream indicative of the concentration ofglucose in a host. The data stream is typically a raw data signal, whichis converted into a calibrated and/or filtered data stream that is usedto provide a useful value of glucose to a user, such as a patient or acaretaker (e.g., a parent, a relative, a guardian, a teacher, a doctor,a nurse, or any other individual that has an interest in the wellbeingof the host).

A glucose sensor can be any device capable of measuring theconcentration of glucose. One exemplary embodiment is described below,which utilizes an implantable glucose sensor. However, it should beunderstood that the devices and methods described herein can be appliedto any device capable of detecting a concentration of glucose andproviding an output signal that represents the concentration of glucose.

In one embodiment, the analyte sensor is an implantable glucose sensor,such as described with reference to U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,067 and U.S.Patent Publication No. US-2005-0027463-A1, each of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. In another embodiment, theanalyte sensor is a transcutaneous glucose sensor, such as describedwith reference to U.S. Patent Publication No. US-2006-0020187-A1. Instill other embodiments, the sensor is configured to be implanted in ahost vessel or extracorporeally, such as is described in U.S. PatentPublication No. US-2007-0027385-A1, U.S. Patent Publication No.US-2008-0119703-A1, U.S. Patent Publication No. US-2008-0108942-A1, andU.S. Patent Publication No. US-2007-0197890-A1, each of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. In one alternativeembodiment, the continuous glucose sensor comprises a transcutaneoussensor such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,509 to Say et al., forexample. In another alternative embodiment, the continuous glucosesensor comprises a subcutaneous sensor such as described with referenceto U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,690 to Bonnecaze et al. or U.S. Pat. No.6,484,046 to Say et al., for example. In another alternative embodiment,the continuous glucose sensor comprises a refillable subcutaneous sensorsuch as described with reference to U.S. Pat. No. 6,512,939 to Colvin etal., for example. In another alternative embodiment, the continuousglucose sensor comprises an intravascular sensor such as described withreference to U.S. Pat. No. 6,477,395 to Schulman et al., for example. Inanother alternative embodiment, the continuous glucose sensor comprisesan intravascular sensor such as described with reference to U.S. Pat.No. 6,424,847 to Mastrototaro et al., for example.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective and side views of a sensor systemincluding a mounting unit 214 and sensor electronics module 12 attachedthereto in one embodiment, shown in its functional position, including amounting unit and a sensor electronics module matingly engaged therein.In some embodiments, the mounting unit 214, also referred to as ahousing or sensor pod, comprises a base 234 adapted for fastening to ahost's skin. The base can be formed from a variety of hard or softmaterials, and can comprises a low profile for minimizing protrusion ofthe device from the host during use. In some embodiments, the base 234is formed at least partially from a flexible material, which is believedto provide numerous advantages over conventional transcutaneous sensors,which, unfortunately, can suffer from motion-related artifactsassociated with the host's movement when the host is using the device.The mounting unit 214 and/or sensor electronics module 12 can be locatedover the sensor insertion site to protect the site and/or provide aminimal footprint (utilization of surface area of the host's skin).

In some embodiments, a detachable connection between the mounting unit214 and sensor electronics module 12 is provided, which enables improvedmanufacturability, namely, the relatively inexpensive mounting unit 214can be disposed of when replacing the sensor system after its usablelife, while the relatively more expensive sensor electronics module 12can be reusable with multiple sensor systems. In some embodiments, thesensor electronics module 12 is configured with signal processing(programming), for example, configured to filter, calibrate and/or otheralgorithms useful for calibration and/or display of sensor information.However, an integral (non-detachable) sensor electronics module can beconfigured.

In some embodiments, contacts 238 are mounted on or in a subassemblyhereinafter referred to as a contact subassembly 236 configured to fitwithin the base 234 of the mounting unit 214 and a hinge 248 that allowsthe contact subassembly 236 to pivot between a first position (forinsertion) and a second position (for use) relative to the mounting unit214. The term “hinge” as used herein is a broad term and is used in itsordinary sense, including, without limitation, to refer to any of avariety of pivoting, articulating, and/or hinging mechanisms, such as anadhesive hinge, a sliding joint, and the like; the term hinge does notnecessarily imply a fulcrum or fixed point about which the articulationoccurs. In some embodiments, the contacts 238 are formed from aconductive elastomeric material, such as a carbon black elastomer,through which the sensor 10 extends.

In certain embodiments, the mounting unit 214 is provided with anadhesive pad 208, disposed on the mounting unit's back surface andincludes a releasable backing layer. Thus, removing the backing layerand pressing the base portion 234 of the mounting unit onto the host'sskin adheres the mounting unit 214 to the host's skin. Additionally oralternatively, an adhesive pad can be placed over some or all of thesensor system after sensor insertion is complete to ensure adhesion, andoptionally to ensure an airtight seal or watertight seal around thewound exit-site (or sensor insertion site) (not shown). Appropriateadhesive pads can be chosen and designed to stretch, elongate, conformto, and/or aerate the region (e.g., host's skin). The embodimentsdescribed with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B are described in more detailwith reference to U.S. Pat. No. 7,310,544, which is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety. Configurations and arrangements canprovide water resistant, waterproof, and/or hermetically sealedproperties associated with the mounting unit/sensor electronics moduleembodiments described herein.

Various methods and devices that are suitable for use in conjunctionwith aspects of some embodiments are disclosed in U.S. PatentPublication No. US-2009-0240120-A1, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

Use of Standardized Data Communication Protocols

FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating various elements ofone embodiment of a continuous analyte sensor system 8 and displaydevice 14, 16, 18, 20. The sensor system 8 may include a sensor 312(also designated 10 in FIG. 1) coupled to a processor 314 (part of item12 in FIG. 1) for processing and managing sensor data. The processor maybe further coupled to a transceiver 316 (part of item 12 in FIG. 1) forsending sensor data and receiving requests and commands from an externaldevice, such as the display device 14, 16, 18, 20, which is used todisplay or otherwise provide the sensor data to a user. The sensorsystem 8 may further include a memory 318 (part of item 12 in FIG. 1)and a real time clock 320 (part of item 12 in FIG. 1) for storing andtracking sensor data. Communication protocols and associated modulationschemes such as Bluetooth, ZigbeeTM, or ANT^(TM) for example may be usedto transmit and receive data between the sensor system 8 and the displaydevice 14, 16, 18, 20.

The display device 14, 16, 18, 20 may be used for alerting and providingsensor information to a user, and may include a processor 330 forprocessing and managing sensor data. The display device 14, 16, 18, 20may include a display 332, a memory 334, and a real time clock 336 fordisplaying, storing and tracking sensor data respectively. The displaydevice 14, 16, 18, 20 may further include a transceiver 338 forreceiving sensor data and for sending requests, instructions, and datato the sensor system 8. The transceiver 338 may further employ thecommunication protocols described above including, but not limited to,radio frequency, Bluetooth, BTLE, Zigbee™, ANT™, etc.

In some embodiments, when a standardized communication protocol is usedsuch as Bluetooth or ANT, commercially available transceiver circuitsmay be utilized that incorporate processing circuitry to handle lowlevel data communication functions such as the management of dataencoding, transmission frequencies, handshake protocols, and the like.In these embodiments, the processor 314, 330 does not need to managethese activities, but rather provides desired data values fortransmission, and manages high level functions such as power up or down,set a rate at which messages are transmitted, and the like. Instructionsand data values for performing these high level functions can beprovided to the transceiver circuits via a data bus and transferprotocol established by the manufacturer of the transceiver circuit.

The analyte sensor system 8 gathers analyte data that it periodicallysends to the display device 14, 16, 18, 20. Rather than having thetransmission and receiving circuitry continuously communicating, theanalyte sensor system 8 and display device 14, 16, 18, 20 periodicallyestablish a communication channel between them. Thus, sensor system 8can communicate via wireless transmission (e.g., ANT+, low powerBluetooth, etc.) with display device 14, 16, 18, 20 (e.g., a hand-heldcomputing device) at predetermined time intervals. The duration of thepredetermined time interval can be selected to be long enough so thatthe sensor system 8 does not consume too much power by transmitting datamore frequently than needed, yet frequent enough to providesubstantially real-time sensor information (e.g., measured glucosevalues) to the display device 14, 16, 18, 20 for output (e.g., display)to a user. The predetermined time interval may be every five minutes,for example. It will be appreciated that this schedule can be varied tobe any desired time interval between data transfer activity.

In between these data transfer procedures, the transceiver 316 of theanalyte sensor system 8 can be powered down or in a sleep mode toconserve battery life. To establish a communication channel, the analytesensor system 8 may send one or more message beacons every five minutes.Each message beacon may be considered an invitation for a display device14, 16, 18, 20 to establish a communication channel with the sensorsystem 8. During initial system set up, the display device 14, 16, 18,20 may listen continuously until such a message beacon is received. Whenthe beacon is successfully received, the display device 14, 16, 18, 20can acknowledge the reception to establish communication between thedevices. When the desired data communication is complete, the channelcan be broken, and the transceiver 316 of the analyte sensing system 8(and possibly the transceiver 338 of the display device 14, 16, 18, 20as well) can be powered down. After a five minute period, thetransceivers 316, 338 can be powered up again substantiallysimultaneously, and establish a new communication channel using the sameprocess to exchange any new data. This process may continue, with newcommunication channels being established at the pre-determinedintervals. To allow for some loss of synchronization between the twodevices in between transmissions, the analyte sensor system 8 may beconfigured to send a series of message beacons in a window of timearound the scheduled transmission time (e.g., 8 message beacons persecond for 4 seconds). Any one of the message beacons can be used toinitiate the establishment of a new communication channel when it isreceived by the display device 14, 16, 18, 20.

Transceiver Pairing Scheme

In some communication protocols, pairing of two devices (a master andslave device) may be required to establish a relationship between twodevices that want to communicate with one another. Pairing may beaccomplished during the channel establishment process described abovebetween the two devices. Establishing a channel may involve broadcastinga unique ID by one device and a search and acquisition of this ID byanother device.

Within a conventional ANT protocol configuration, for example, aparameter that is typically used in device pairing is the master deviceID. In order to establish an ANT channel, the master transmitterbroadcasts its device ID (along with some other information) in theabove described beacon and the receiver checks for the presence of thedevice ID of the transmitter with which it wants to communicate inreceived beacons. In a conventional ANT protocol, the device ID is a2-byte value representing a specific master device.

Although the master device ID provides some level of security, in that aslave device can be programmed to communicate only with a master devicehaving a particular device ID number, additional security can be usefulin some embodiments. To provide additional security, some embodimentscan use two pieces of information to pair a receiver with a particulartransceiver device. These two pieces of information include the deviceID described above and another value which is referred to herein as asensor security code. The device ID is used as described above to filterreceipt of non-matching messages at the lowest layer of the ANT radioprotocol stack. The sensor security code is used for a key basedauthentication scheme at the software application layer of the system.In some embodiments, both the device ID and the sensor security code canbe derived from an identifier (e.g., a manufacturer's serial number)associated with the sensor system 8 per the description below. As seenin the embodiment of FIG. 1, the sensor system 8 comprises twofundamental components, the continuous sensor 10 and the electronicsmodule 12. These two components may be separable from one another,allowing, for example, replacement of the continuous sensor portion 10.In this case, the identifier may be etched into, printed on or otherwiseattached to a housing of the electronics module portion 12.

The sensor system 8 may include a sensor system identifier, such asseries of alphanumeric characters (e.g., a series of 5, 6, 7 or 8alphanumeric characters) printed, etched or otherwise affixed on ahousing of the sensor system 8, or any other known identifier, such as abar code or quick response code. The sensor system identifier may beused to generate both the device ID used in the master beacons toestablish a channel and to generate the sensor security code used foradditional security in the glucose monitoring system. To maintain gooddata security, the alphanumeric characters and the sensor security codeneed not be transmitted over a wireless communication channel at anytime.

In some embodiments where a series of seven alphanumeric characters areused as or associated with the sensor system identifier, the seriesalphanumeric characters are converted to seven 5 bit binary values asshown for example in FIG. 4A. These 35 bits are then concatenatedtogether and divided into a device ID and sensor security code as shownfor example in FIG. 4B. The most significant 11 bits, used for thedevice ID, are left-shifted by one bit and a one is inserted on theright, to produce a 12 bit value. Inserting the 1 on the right preventsthe device number from being set to 0×0000. To produce a 16-bit deviceID value, for example, four zeros can be used for the four mostsignificant bits of the sequence. The remaining 24 bits of the original35 concatenated bits can be used for the sensor security code.

As an example, a given seven character alphanumeric ID, ‘A65S34F’, isconverted to binary as follows using the binary mappings shown in FIG.4A,

A=01010

6=00110

5=00101

S=11010

3=00011

4=00100

F=01111

These binary values are concatenated to produce a 35 bit sequence:

01010001100010111010000110010001111

This 35 bit sequence is then separated to produce:

01010001100 and 010111010000110010001111

The device ID becomes 0000 0101 0001 1001 after a one is added as theleast significant bit, and four zeros are added as the most significantbits. The other 24 bits are padded on the left with eight zeros tobecome the four byte value 0000 0000 0101 1101 0000 1100 1000 1111.

Therefore, the device ID becomes the two byte array [0×05][0×19] used asdescribed above in the low level standardized communication protocol.The sensor security code becomes the four byte array[0×00][0×5D][0×0C][0×8F], used as described below.

When the analyte sensor system 8 is initially set up, the identifierassociated with the system is entered into the display device 14, 16,18, 20. Now, the sensor system 8 and the display device 14, 16, 18, 20can each compute the same device ID and sensor security code using thealgorithm described above.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of an aspect of aprocess for pairing a transmitter with a receiver using a device ID andsensor security code. In block 501, the transceiver in the sensor system8 sends one or more message beacons that include the device ID and achallenge value used in conjunction with the sensor security code aswill be described below. In block 502, the display device 14, 16, 18, 20may receive the transmission and determine whether to pair with thesensor system 8 by checking for a match between the device ID in thereceived beacon and the device ID it is searching for. If the device IDdoes not match, the pairing process can end, as shown in block 507. Ifthe device ID does match, a communication channel is established. Thepart of the communication process involved in establishing acommunication channel may be handled by the transceiver circuitry 316,338 in accordance with the protocols established for the standardizedcommunication and embedded in the transceiver circuitry. The processor330 need not manage or even be aware of received beacons that do notcontain the appropriate device ID.

If a communication channel is established, the challenge value isprovided to the processor 330 to perform an additional authenticationprocess as will now be described. The display device 14, 16, 18, 20processes the challenge value using a predetermined algorithm and thesensor security code to produce a key value as shown in block 503, aswell as generating a request for sensor data. In block 504, this keyvalue is transmitted back to the sensor system 8 along with the requestfor information, such as sensor data stored in the sensor system 8. Therequest can be for a specific range of sensor data, such as the lasthour's or day's worth of sensor data, or can be for the most currentsensor data point. The sensor data can be glucose values in units ofglucose concentration or can be raw data values in units of current orcounts, for example. In block 505, the sensor system 8 receives andverifies the key sent by the display device 14, 16, 18, 20 using thesame algorithm, challenge value and sensor security code. If the key isvalid, the sensor system 8 transmits the requested sensor data to thedisplay device 14, 16, 18, 20 as shown in block 506. Otherwise, as shownin block 507, the pairing process can end.

By using the method described with both the device ID and a sensorsecurity code for communication authentication, two benefits areobtained. First, security is improved over using the device ID alone asauthentication, because one weak link in device ID security is that thedevice ID is transmitted over the air in the message beacons. When thedevice ID is transmitted over the air, it could be intercepted by ahacker or other unauthorized user, and used to create a false receiverthat could query the sensor system for user data. In addition,computational efficiency is improved because devices without matchingdevice IDs need not authenticate with a receiver device using thechallenge/response protocol before discovering that no communicationbetween the devices should occur.

Time Handling Scheme Within a Transmitter Device

Handling time in the sensor system 8 can be used for correct timestamping of generated and transmitted values as well as for processingdata stored in the database of the sensor module in chronological order.Within some standardized communication protocols, such as ANT, absoluteor real time is conventionally communicated at a resolution of wholeseconds from a selected start time. However, the present inventors havefound that higher resolution time tracking can be preferable inembodiments of glucose monitoring systems.

To allow for higher resolution time tracking, the sensor system 8 mayconnect a 32 kHz clock, for example, as input into a 32-bit counter,referred to as the real time clock (RTC) 320. By incrementing thecounter every 4k clock pulses, the counter will increment by one at 125ms intervals. With this configuration, events occurring in the sensorsystem 8 can be tracked at a resolution of 125 msec, and the 32 bits ofthe counter allow for slightly more than seventeen years of tracked timebefore the counter will rollover. Time zero (e.g. the start of the 17year period) can be selected that reasonably lasts the lifetime of theproduct.

Although the resolution and start time for the counter in the sensorsystem 8 described above may be advantageous for the sensor system 8,this time may now be incompatible with the time tracking of thecommunication system (e.g. conventional ANT). In situations where thetime tracking is incompatible, the sensor system 8 may translate timecoming into, and going out of, the transceiver 316.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process for translating highresolution time to lower resolution time in accordance with oneembodiment. In block 601, a transmitter, such as a sensor system 8, maytrack time according to a first time resolution. The first timeresolution may be a suitable resolution for use in sensor glucose dataprocessing as described above. In block 602, the sensor system 8translates time to a second resolution that is lower than the firstresolution. The sensor system 8 may translate time both coming into, andgoing out of, the transceiver 316. For example, incoming time, based onseconds since the defined protocol start time, may be translated bysubtracting the number of seconds between the sensor counter start timeand the protocol start time to convert the incoming time into the numberof seconds since the sensor counter start time. Outgoing time values maybe translated by dividing the count by 8 to get whole seconds, andadding the number of seconds between the sensor counter start time andthe protocol start time to convert the outgoing time into the number ofseconds since the protocol start time. For outgoing time values, inblock 603, the sensor system 8 transmits the translated time values.

The correct time, according to the number of seconds since the desiredsensor system counter start time, may be set within the 32 bit counterat manufacturing. In some cases, errors may occur due to the differenttime resolutions being used to track time by the sensor system 8 and thedisplay device 14, 16, 18, 20.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating process for detecting an error in atime value received by a display device 14, 16, 18, 20 from a sensorsystem 8 in accordance with one embodiment. In block 701, a displaydevice 14, 16, 18, 20 receives a time value from a sensor system 8. Thesensor system 8 may have translated the time value as described abovebefore sending the time value to the display device 14, 16, 18, 20. Inblock 702, the display device 14, 16, 18, 20 may determine whether thetime value is less than a determined threshold. If the time value is notless than the determined threshold then the method may end at block 705.However, if the time value is less than a determined threshold, then thedisplay device 14, 16, 18, 20 may determine that the sensor time valueis an error, as shown in block 703. For example, during normal use, ifthe display device 14, 16, 18, 20 receives a time value from thetransceiver 316 which is less than 0×10000000, then the display device14, 16, 18, 20 may characterize this as an error condition. In block704, the display device 14, 16, 18, 20 may send a command to the sensorsystem 8 to reset the time and provide the correct value for the numberof seconds since the protocol start time, which the sensor system 8 mayconvert to 0.125 second counts since the sensor system start time. Thecorrected value may be written into the sensor system's 8 internal32-bit counter RTC. The sensor system 8 may not overwrite the internal32-bit counter RTC unless the 32-bit counter value is indeed smallerthan 0×10000000.

By translating between time based on the protocol resolution and starttime and time based on a higher resolution and different start time, thesensor system 8 maintains an internal count with a sub-second resolutionof 125 ms which aids in debugging and overall system time granularity.At the same time, the sensor system 8 may be compatible with theexternal ANT ecosystem by communicating in terms of time based on theexisting protocol convention. By keeping its own internal time set atmanufacturing, the sensor system 8 can be assured to track timechronologically throughout the life of the system in non-error casescenarios. By allowing a display device 14, 16, 18, 20 to reset the timeonly when an inadvertent reset has been detected, (e.g. if the value isless than 0×10000000), the sensor system's 8 internal time can becorrected in case of a system error.

Interval Transmission Timing Protocol Accounting for Immediate MatchCalibration

In some embodiments, the sensor system 8 is responsible for calibratingcontinuous glucose sensor data. From time to time, the sensor system 8may determine that a reference value (e.g., from a single point bloodglucose meter) is needed to calibrate continuous glucose sensor data orotherwise update the sensor data based on the reference value. If areference value is needed, the sensor system 8 may send a request to thedisplay device 14, 16, 18, 20 to prompt the user for a reference value.The user may then obtain a reference value and input the reference valueinto the secondary display device 14, 16, 18, 20 by, for example,manually entering a reference value using input keys of the displaydevice 14, 16, 18, 20.

It would be possible to incorporate this sample calibration interactionwithin the previously described five minute interaction periods. Forexample, the sensor system 8 could request a reference measurement in afirst communication. Over the next few minutes, the user could obtainthe measurement and enter it into the display device 14, 16, 18, 20. Atthe next communication period, the measurement could be sent to thesensor system 8 for calibration. At the next communication period fiveminutes later, updated and re-calibrated glucose measurements could besent back to the display device 14, 16, 18, 20. Communicating at fiveminute intervals, for example, may help conserve power and increase thebattery life of the sensor system 8.

However, this may not be optimal, since a fairly long period of time maypass before the user receives re-calibrated data. If there is a need tore-calibrate the data, the user may not have accurate glucoseinformation. For example, in some embodiments the processing using thereference measurement is done by the sensor system 8, and this data isonly periodically transmitted back to the display device 14, 16, 18, 20.This can delay receipt of calibrated data by the display device 14, 16,18, 20. This is a situation that would be best to remedy as fast aspossible.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating process for increasing the rate ofreception of a display device for use when obtaining a reference valuefor sensor calibration in accordance with one embodiment. In block 801,the sensor system 8 sends a request for a reference value for sensorcalibration at a predetermined time interval. The predetermined timeinterval may be five minutes, as described above. In block 802, toreduce the time required to update the user with re-calibrated data, thesensor system 8 and/or the display device 14, 16, 18, 20 may initiateadjustment of the predetermined time interval for a determined window oftime to allow more frequent communication between the sensor system 8and the display device 14, 16, 18, 20 as compared to the normaloperation (i.e. at the predetermined time interval discussed above).

This window may be implemented by maintaining the establishedcommunication channel in operation after any request for a referenceglucose measurement is made by the sensor system 8 instead of entering apower down state immediately after data transmission as is normally donewhen accurate data is being periodically transmitted. When the channelis open, the adjusted predetermined time interval for exchanging datamay correspond to a relatively fast message rate, e.g. 0.5 Hz. In block803, during the determined window of time, the user obtains and enters ameasured glucose value to the display device 14, 16, 18, 20. In block804, the display device 14, 16, 18, 20 transmits the calibration data tothe sensor according to the adjusted time interval. By setting a shorttime interval (e.g., 0.5 Hz as described above), the measured glucosevalue data is essentially immediately transferred to the sensor system8, which performs the necessary calibration. In block 805, the sensorsystem 8 may calibrate the sensor data using the calibration data point.In block 806, when the calibration is complete, newly calibrated data isessentially immediately transferred back to the display device 14, 16,18, 20 using the existing adjusted time interval. In this way, at leastone waiting period can be avoided.

The window of time during which the faster message rate (e.g., 0.5 Hz)is maintained may be selected to allow for enough time for a user toobtain and input the reference value into the secondary device. Forexample the window of time described above with reference to block 802might be set for four minutes. In block 807, after the determined windowof time closes, the sensor system 8 and the display device 14, 16, 18,20 may adjust the predetermined time interval and return tocommunicating at the normal predetermined time interval.

In accordance with some embodiments, the sensor system 8 and displaydevice 14, 16, 18, 20 are synchronized to re-establish a communicationchannel at a higher frequency so that reference measurement informationcan be more quickly exchanged. As an example, sensor system 8 anddisplay device 14, 16, 18, 20 may be synchronized to normally establisha communication channel every five minutes, for example, where thecommunication channel closed prior to re-establishing the communicationchannel. However, when reference measurement information is needed, thenthe sensor system 8 and display device 14, 16, 18, 20 may besynchronized to establish a communication channel more frequently, suchas every 30 seconds or every minute, instead of every five minutes. Themore frequent establishment of a communication channel can be limiteduntil one or more conditions are satisfied, after which the sensorsystem 8 and display device 14, 16, 18, 20 automatically revert back tothe normal synchronization. The conditions can include the exchange ofthe requested reference information (e.g., the sensor system 8 receivesthe requested reference information from the display device), apredetermined amount of time (such as five or ten minutes) has expiredsince the establishment of the higher frequency synchronization, and thesensor system 8 transmitting calibration information based on therequested reference information to the display device.

The following is an exemplary process for exchanging referenceinformation in which the frequency of establishing communicationchannels is increased accordance with one embodiment. First, the sensorsystem 8 and display device 14, 16, 18, 20 are synchronized to establisha communication channel at a first frequency, such as every fiveminutes. Next, the sensor system 8 determines that reference information(e.g., a reference measurement value) is needed. A reference measurementmay be needed based upon a predetermined schedule of needing referenceinformation (e.g., twice on the first day of using a new sensor, once onthe second day of using the sensor, and once every other daythereafter), upon detection of an error (e.g., sensor system 8determines a signal artifact in the sensor data or possible sensormalfunction based on an analysis of the sensor data) or a predeterminedamount of time has expired since reference information was last received(e.g., last reference data was received 12 hours ago). The sensor system8 then sends a request to the display device 14, 16, 18, 20 for thereference information during the next established communication channel.In response to the request, the sensor system 8 and display device 14,16, 18, 20 adjust the synchronization frequency to a second frequencythat is higher than the first frequency. In addition, in response toreceiving the request for reference information, the display device 14,16, 18, 20 may prompt a user via a user interface of the display devicefor reference information, and automatically transmit the requestedreference information during the next established communication channelafter the reference information is received. In this exemplary process,the second frequency is maintained until either the requested referenceinformation is received by the sensor system 8 or the expiration of apredetermined amount of time, which ever occurs first. If thepredetermined amount of time expires prior to receiving the requestedreference information, the system reverts to the first synchronizationfrequency and the reference information is transmitted during the nextestablished communication channel after the reference information isreceived by the display device 14, 16, 18, 20. The sensor system 8 cancalculate calibration information based on the received referenceinformation and send the calibration information to the display deviceusing the communication channel that was established when the referencedata was received or during a subsequent communication channel.

Note that one or more of the functions described in this document can beperformed by software or firmware stored in memory (e.g. memory 318and/or memory 334) and executed by one or more processors (e.g.,processor 314 and/or proce3ssor 330). The firmware can also be storedand/or transported within any computer-readable medium for use by or inconnection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device,such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or othersystem that can fetch the instructions from the instruction executionsystem, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In thecontext of this document, a “computer-readable medium” can be any mediumthat can contain or store the program for use by or in connection withthe instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computerreadable medium can include, but is not limited to, an electronic,magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system,apparatus or device, a portable computer diskette (magnetic), a randomaccess memory (RAM) (magnetic), a read-only memory (ROM) (magnetic), anerasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) (magnetic), a portableoptical disc such a CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-R, or DVD-RW, or flashmemory such as compact flash cards, secured digital cards, USB memorydevices, memory sticks, and the like.

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Methods and devices that are suitable for use in conjunction withaspects of the preferred embodiments are disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/447,227 filed Nov. 22, 1999 and entitled “DEVICEAND METHOD FOR DETERMINING ANALYTE LEVELS”; U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/654,135 filed Jan. 17, 2007 and entitled “POROUS MEMBRANES FORUSE WITH IMPLANTABLE DEVICES”; U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/654,140 filed Jan. 17, 2007 and entitled “MEMBRANES FOR AN ANALYTESENSOR”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/543,396 filed Oct. 4, 2006and entitled “ANALYTE SENSOR”; U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/543,490 filed Oct. 4, 2006 and entitled “ANALYTE SENSOR”; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/543,404 filed Oct. 4, 2006 and entitled “ANALYTESENSOR”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/691,426 filed Mar. 26, 2007and entitled “ANALYTE SENSOR”; U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/691,432 filed Mar. 26, 2007 and entitled “ANALYTE SENSOR”; U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/691,424 filed Mar. 26, 2007 and entitled“ANALYTE SENSOR”; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/691,466 filedMarch 26, 2007 and entitled “ANALYTE SENSOR”.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, such illustration and descriptionare to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. Thedisclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Variations tothe disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by thoseskilled in the art in practicing the claimed disclosure, from a study ofthe drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims.

All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety. To the extent publications and patents or patentapplications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosurecontained in the specification, the specification is intended tosupersede and/or take precedence over any such contradictory material.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) are to be given their ordinary and customary meaning to a personof ordinary skill in the art, and are not to be limited to a special orcustomized meaning unless expressly so defined herein. It should benoted that the use of particular terminology when describing certainfeatures or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply thatthe terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to includeany specific characteristics of the features or aspects of thedisclosure with which that terminology is associated. Terms and phrasesused in this application, and variations thereof, especially in theappended claims, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construedas open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing, theterm ‘including’ should be read to mean ‘including, without limitation,’‘including but not limited to,’ or the like; the term ‘comprising’ asused herein is synonymous with ‘including,’ ‘containing,’ or‘characterized by,’ and is inclusive or open-ended and does not excludeadditional, unrecited elements or method steps; the term ‘having’ shouldbe interpreted as ‘having at least;’ the term ‘includes’ should beinterpreted as ‘includes but is not limited to;’ the term ‘example’ isused to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not anexhaustive or limiting list thereof; adjectives such as ‘known’,‘normal’, ‘standard’, and terms of similar meaning should not beconstrued as limiting the item described to a given time period or to anitem available as of a given time, but instead should be read toencompass known, normal, or standard technologies that may be availableor known now or at any time in the future; and use of terms like‘preferably,’ ‘preferred,’ ‘desired,’ or ‘desirable,’ and words ofsimilar meaning should not be understood as implying that certainfeatures are critical, essential, or even important to the structure orfunction of the invention, but instead as merely intended to highlightalternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in aparticular embodiment of the invention. Likewise, a group of itemslinked with the conjunction ‘and’ should not be read as requiring thateach and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rathershould be read as ‘and/or’ unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly,a group of items linked with the conjunction ‘or’ should not be read asrequiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should be readas ‘and/or’ unless expressly stated otherwise.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the upper andlower limit, and each intervening value between the upper and lowerlimit of the range is encompassed within the embodiments.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity. The indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude aplurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions ofseveral items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measuresare recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicatethat a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Anyreference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting thescope.

It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specificnumber of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intentwill be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of suchrecitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “atleast one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use ofdefinite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, evenif a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitlyrecited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitationshould typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number(e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without othermodifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or morerecitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in generalsuch a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one ofA, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where aconvention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, ingeneral such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill inthe art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at leastone of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that haveA alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be furtherunderstood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive wordand/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in thedescription, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplatethe possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood toinclude the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

All numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions,and so forth used in the specification are to be understood as beingmodified in all instances by the term ‘about.’ Accordingly, unlessindicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth herein areapproximations that may vary depending upon the desired propertiessought to be obtained. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limitthe application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of anyclaims in any application claiming priority to the present application,each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number ofsignificant digits and ordinary rounding approaches.

Furthermore, although the foregoing has been described in some detail byway of illustrations and examples for purposes of clarity andunderstanding, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that certainchanges and modifications may be practiced. Therefore, the descriptionand examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention to the specific embodiments and examples described herein, butrather to also cover all modification and alternatives coming with thetrue scope and spirit of the invention.

1. A method for managing real-time information in a system formonitoring a glucose concentration of a host, the system comprising asensor electronics module operatively coupled to a continuous glucosesensor, and a display device , the method comprising: tracking time at afirst, predetermined resolution at the sensor electronics module;generating, using the sensor electronics module, a glucose value;associating, using the sensor system, a time with the glucose valuebased on the time at the first resolution; tracking time at a second,predetermined resolution that is lower than the first resolution at thedisplay device; translating, using the sensor electronics module, thetime associated with the glucose value to the second resolution; andwirelessly transmitting, using the sensor system, the glucose value andthe translated time to the display device.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the first resolution is 125 milliseconds and the secondresolution is 1 second.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprisingtranslating, using the sensor electronics module, time informationreceived from the display device in the second resolution to the firstresolution.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving thetranslated time at the display device and determining, using the displaydevice, if the translated time is in error by comparing the translatedtime to a threshold value.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprisingtransmitting, using the display device, a request to time if thetranslated time is determined to be in error.
 6. A system for monitoringa glucose concentration of a host that manages real-time information,the system comprising a sensor electronics module operatively coupled toa continuous glucose sensor, the sensor electronics module configured totrack time at a first, predetermined resolution, generate a glucosevalue, associate a time with the glucose value based on the time at thefirst resolution, translate the time associated with the glucose valueto a second resolution that is lower than the first resolution, andwirelessly transmit the glucose value and the translated time.
 7. Thesystem of claim 6, wherein the first resolution is 125 milliseconds andthe second resolution is 1 second.
 8. The system of claim 6, furthercomprising a display device configured to receive the transmittedglucose value and the transmitted translated time, wherein the displaydevice is configured to track time at the second resolution.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein the sensor electronics module is furtherconfigured to translate time information received from the displaydevice in the second resolution to the first resolution.
 10. The systemof claim 8, wherein the display device is further configured to receivethe translated time and determine if the translated time is in error bycomparing the translated time to a threshold value.
 11. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the display device is further configured to transmit arequest to time if the translated time is determined to be in error.